The sporting talent of Manipur has created new waves in a lesser-known discipline called Pencak Silat and made the state proud by bagging three gold medals and five bronze medals to boost the medal prospect in the ongoing 37th National Games at Goa.
Pencak Silat is a new discipline introduced to the games where Manipur was able to fulfil its wishes for a golden appearance.
In the Pencak Silat's Tanding bout final event held at Campal Sports Complex, Panaji on Sunday, Sanasam Sophia Chanu landed the gold medal.
With the Gold earlier won by Yaikhom Anjali Devi in the Tanding event and Sinam Chingkhei and Sinam Jeevan, the Manipur Team has successfully amassed three Gold Medals in the discipline.
Manipur players Naorem Boynao, Huidrom Bishan, Yaikhom Kiran, Shamjetsabam Bidyaluxmi Devi, Thingbaijam Dayalaxmi Devi and Thokchom Benao had claimed five bronze medals.
An elated team coach, L Ranjit Singh said, 'It was a very rewarding moment for all of us as we could justify our relentless efforts to the discipline. Finally, we have made it with a big impact in the right time. We are happy with the performance of our young players and could have won more. The injury sustained during the bouts was unfortunate which proved a sad note to players capability'.
As of now, Manipur medal tally stands at 7 Gold, 3 Silver and 11 Bronze medals.
Apart from the gold medal from Sanasam Sophia Chanu, Manipur also won a silver and bronze medal in the Men's Foil Team and Women Epee event today.
