Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Prasanna Bendre Wins Gold in KIBG 2026
Prasanna Bendre is a Pencak Silat athlete who had to switch to a higher weight category just 20 days before the Khelo India Beach Games 2026.
He had to gain weight quickly to compete in the 50-55 kg category.
Despite the challenge, he won a gold medal by defeating Rohit Meitei from Manipur.
Prasanna started practicing Pencak Silat after meeting his coaches during tuition classes.
He has faced financial struggles but has achieved success in international competitions.
He is now focusing on supporting his family and continuing his career in Pencak Silat.
Prasanna Bendre won a gold medal in the 50-55 kg weight category at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026.
He had to switch weight categories just 20 days before the competition and gained weight quickly to compete.
Bendre defeated Rohit Meitei from Manipur in the final at Ghoghla Beach, Diu.
He credited his coaches, Alexander and Philia Thomas, for encouraging him to trust his technique.
Bendre has faced financial struggles but has achieved success in international competitions, including a top 8 finish at the 2024 World Championships.
- Who
- Prasanna Bendre, a Pencak Silat athlete from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
- What
- Won a gold medal in the 50-55 kg weight category at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026
- When
- January 10, 2026
- Where
- Ghoghla Beach, Diu
- Why
- To compete after a last-minute change in weight categories
- Athlete
- Prasanna Bendre
- Sport
- Pencak Silat Tanding
- Event
- Khelo India Beach Games 2026
- Weight Category
- 50-55 kg
- Opponent
- Rohit Meitei
- Location
- Ghoghla Beach, Diu
- Previous Achievement
- 2024 World Championships (Top 8)
- Academic Background
- Master's in Psychology