Imphal, September 14: Manipur will have a strong representation at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, with 36 athletes from the state selected to be part of the Indian contingent across nine disciplines.
The representation underlines Manipur’s continuing contribution to Indian sport, with athletes set to compete in Sepak Takraw, Rowing, Cycling, Fencing, Canoeing & Kayaking, Boxing, Weightlifting, Wushu and Hockey.
Sepak Takraw has the largest representation with 12 players, followed by Canoeing & Kayaking with six. Hockey has four players, while Cycling, Fencing, Weightlifting and Wushu have three athletes each. Rowing and Boxing have one representative apiece.
The state will also have three coaches accompanying the contingent.
Among the athletes featured are Akash Yumnam, Wahengbam Henry, Mayengbam Ashok, S. Nidangmangto, Elangbam Lokton, Elangbam Leirentombi and Prily Langojam in Sepak Takraw.
Manipur’s representation also includes Norangbam Luxmi in rowing, Laikojam Ronaldo and Koithalakapam James in cycling, and athletes such as Wakhaham Sonia and Nima Devi Naorem in fencing.
In canoeing and kayaking, Philem Gyaneshwor, Oinam Arum, Leitojam Naocha, Kha. Dhananjaygiri, Pheirunbam Soniya and Laichoubam Neha have made the contingent.
Mendenbam Jadumani is the lone Manipuri boxer, while the weightlifting squad comprises Yumkhaibam Nalia, Seiram Niyapama and Saikhom Mirabai.
The Wushu contingent features Mayanglolambam Suraj, Hanijabam Langientombi and Naorem Robihima, while Manipur’s hockey representation includes Sanglakpam Milankanta, Pukhrambam Sushila and two others.
The 36 athletes will carry Manipur’s hopes onto the Asian stage, with the state’s rich sporting culture once again reflected in the breadth of its representation in the Indian contingent.
