Manipur Welcomes Home Lanchenbi Chanu After Historic Youth Olympic Bronze

IMPHAL, November 6, 2026: Manipur's Wushu athlete Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu received a warm welcome at Imphal International Airport on Friday following her historic bronze medal victory at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Representing India in the women's Changquan combined event, Lanchenbi secured a total of 18.039 points, comprising 9.316 in Changquan and 8.723 in Gunshu, to finish third. Egypt's Sondos Sonbol won gold with 18.660 points.

First Indian to Win Youth Olympic Wushu Medal

With this achievement, Lanchenbi became the first Indian athlete to win a Wushu medal at the Youth Olympic Games, where the sport made its debut as a medal event at Dakar 2026.

Her historic performance marks a significant milestone for Indian Wushu and brings recognition to Manipur's contribution to the sport.

World Junior Championship Bronze Led to Youth Olympic Selection

Lanchenbi's Youth Olympic success follows another notable achievement at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships 2026 in Tianjin, China, where she won bronze in the girls' youth Changquan event.

Her performance at the world championship earned her selection by the Indian Olympic Association to represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games.

Sachidananda Mayanglambam, coach of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, had earlier congratulated Lanchenbi on her selection and appreciated the efforts of the coaches and teachers who guided her sporting journey.

Her return to Manipur was marked by a warm reception, celebrating an achievement that has brought pride to the state and Indian sports.