Dhinidhi, India’s youngest Paris Olympian, and Asian Youth Games silver medallist Tirthank showcase country’s rising swimming talent
New Delhi :India’s emerging swimming talents, Dhinidhi Desinghu and Tirthank Pegu, are making their mark on the international swimming circuit, with impressive performances, national records and major championship medals highlighting the country’s growing presence in competitive swimming.
Dhinidhi Desinghu, a 16-year-old swimmer from Bengaluru, Karnataka, has already established herself as one of India’s most promising freestyle swimmers. She shot to prominence after becoming the youngest Indian athlete to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she represented the country in the women’s 200m freestyle event at the age of 14.
A trainee of Dolphin Aquatics, Bengaluru, Dhinidhi began swimming at the age of six. Her achievements include an impressive nine gold medals at the 2025 National Games, where she won a total of 11 medals and was named Best Female Athlete.
She has also set national records in the women’s 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle events. At the 12th Asian Age Group Championships in Thailand in July 2026, she clocked 2:01.81 in the 200m freestyle and 4:21.56 in the 400m freestyle, winning a bronze medal in the latter event.
In recognition of her achievements, Dhinidhi was conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2025. She has also received financial assistance of Rs 7.91 lakh under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Another promising name in Indian swimming is Tirthank Pegu from Assam, who specialises in the 200m butterfly and individual medley events.
Pegu emerged as a major prospect after winning gold in the boys’ 200m butterfly at the 51st Junior National Aquatic Championships in 2025, clocking 2:03.22 and setting a national and championship record.
He further strengthened his international credentials by winning silver in the men’s 200m butterfly at the Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain with a timing of 2:02.56.
The young swimmer had earlier won two silver medals in the 100m and 200m freestyle events at the 2024 Khelo India Youth Games. He also represented India at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania in 2025.
Currently training at the Inspire Institute of Sport, Bellary, Karnataka, Pegu is working towards improving his performances at major international competitions.
While Dhinidhi has benefited from support under TOPS, Pegu has not received assistance under the scheme so far, according to the available details.
Their achievements underline the growing depth of India’s young swimming talent and the importance of sustained coaching, scientific training and institutional support in preparing promising athletes for international competition.
