Guwahati: Assam’s young swimming sensation Tirthank Pegu received a warm welcome on his return home after scripting history at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, bringing immense pride to the state and the country.
The 17-year-old created history by becoming the first Indian male swimmer to win a medal at the Youth Olympic Games, claiming bronze in the men’s 200m butterfly with an impressive timing of 2:01.25.
His historic podium finish marked a significant milestone for Indian swimming and placed Assam firmly on the international sporting map.
Pegu’s achievement was particularly significant as he bounced back from a narrow miss in the men’s 100m butterfly, where he finished fourth in 54.98 seconds, just 0.27 seconds short of a medal.
The swimmer from Ramakrishna in Jorhat has previously demonstrated his international potential, winning silver in the men’s 200m butterfly at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. He is also a junior national record holder and began swimming at the age of five.
On his return to Assam on Wednesday, Pegu was greeted at Guwahati airport by members of the Jorhat Swimming Society, coaches, family members and well-wishers.
His historic achievement has further strengthened Assam’s growing presence on the national and international swimming map. Pegu’s next ambition is to qualify for the Olympic final and bring further glory to India.
For Assam, this is more than a medal. It is the arrival of a young talent who has shown that dreams nurtured in the Northeast can reach the highest international podium.
Tirthank Pegu has made history. And his journey has only just begun.
