A blessing ceremony was held in Imphal for SAI STC Khuman Lampak athletes M Ashok Singh and Yumnam Malemnganbi, who have been selected to represent India in Sepaktakraw at the 20th Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
The two athletes are scheduled to leave Imphal today to attend the national coaching camp for the Asian Games. The camp will be held at the SAI National Centre of Excellence, Sonipat, Haryana, from August 24 to September 15.
SAI STC Imphal Centre-in-Charge Maibam Ramani Chanu, while extending her blessings to the athletes, encouraged them to strive for excellence and bring recognition to the country. Sepaktakraw coach Thokchom Muhindro, who has trained the two athletes since their early days at SAI STC Imphal, also attended the ceremony.
Eight former SAI STC Imphal trainees are part of the Indian Sepaktakraw team. The men’s team includes Yumnam Akash, S Malemnganba, W Henery and Elangbam Lokhon, while the women’s team comprises Oinam Chaoba, A Meipak, Elangbam Priya and Elangbam Shilpani.
The athletes were extended best wishes for medal-winning performances and for bringing laurels to the country and Manipur.
The Indian team is being coached by Pangabam Durjit.