Ambikapur, March 31 -- In a physically demanding sport like wrestling, where peak fitness is essential, stepping onto the mat with an injured shoulder is a significant risk. However, for Jharkhand wrestler Poonam Oraon that risk looked like an opportunity, which she seized to clinch a gold medal at the first Khelo India Tribal Games 2026.

Battling pain through every bout, Poonam crafted an inspiring comeback story.

Every time Poonam Oraon made a tackle in the final of the women's 50kg match at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026. She would wince in pain due to her injured shoulder. The 19-year-old wrestler had dislocated her shoulder when she was 10, and the pain keeps cropping up now and then.

The pain once again flared up ahead ...