IT News
Imphal, Jan 11:
Thirty-nine Wushu players from Manipur, including 20 female athletes, have secured their spots in the upcoming 38th National Games, scheduled to take place in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025.
Wushu coach M Bimoljit Singh, an Arjuna Awardee and recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi State Award (2011), expressed his delight over the significant number of qualifiers. “We’re now focusing on improving the performances of our players. This time, we’re expecting not less than 10 gold medals from the event,” said Bimoljit.
Wushu, introduced to the National Games in 2007 in Guwahati, has been a significant contributor to Manipur’s medal tally in past editions. Four Wushu players from the state have received Arjuna Awards for their contributions to the sport.
In the 37th National Games held in Goa in 2023, Manipur’s athletes secured 9 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals, surpassing their performance in the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022, where they earned 6 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals. This achievement positioned Manipur as the only state from eastern India to rank among the top 10 in the medal tally of the 36th National Games.
Currently, the Wushu players are undergoing intensive coaching sessions at various venues in and around Imphal under the supervision of renowned coaches, preparing for the Uttarakhand Games.
Joint Secretary N Ibungochoubi of the Manipur Olympic Association, who also chairs the media committee, shared his optimism about the team’s prospects. “It is encouraging to hear that 39 state Wushu players have qualified for the Uttarakhand Games. We are hopeful they will bring laurels to the state.”
