274-strong state contingent for 2022 National Games, Mirabai Chanu to lead weightlifting team
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 26 2022:
Manipur will send a 274-strong contingent across 21 disciplines to the 2022 National Games, which will be held in Gujarat between September 29 and October 12 .
The state athletes are expected to produce strong showing in football (both men & women), weightlifting, badminton, wushu, judo, cycling, boxing and others.
Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu will be the cynosure of all eyes in the weightlifting.
She is leading a 15-member state team that includes Heisnam Jinarani Devi, Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu, Phandom Ranibala Devi, Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi, Puthem Shakhenbi Devi, Konjenbam Roshilata Devi, Seram Nirupama Devi; Asem Tumina Devi, Khaidem Sarjubala Devi and Laishram Chinglenmani Meitei.
For the state women's football team, who are 21-time winners of the Senior Women's National Football Championship, the National Games looks another happy hunting ground for them.
Notably, the women's players from Manipur make up the majority of the senior national squad.
The state team will see the likes of Ng Bala, N Ratanbala, Ng Sweety Devi, W Linthoingambi Devi and Th Martina among others.
On the other hand, rhe men's football squad has Worshuipei Kashung, Armstrong Dilbung Ramungnao, Sh Marconi Monsang, Sehgouhao Khongsai, Leimapokpam Naoba Singh, Yami Longvah, Seivanglen Mate, Khaigunhao Joel Haokip, PM Rakeveiche, Thoudam Nani Singh, Lalminlen Gangte, Laishram Chingkheinganba Singh, Maibam Deni Singh, Thiyam Chingkheinganba, Pukhrambam Bebekananda Singh, Naoroibam Romen Singh, Tensubam Alison Singh, Rocky Khundrakpam, Ab Wirabou and Ngariyanbam Jenish Singh.
Wushu is one of the sports disciplines Manipur is expecting to reap rich haul of medals, with 20 athletes making up the state team.
Manipur is also pinning medal hopes on badminton.
The state will be represented by ace shuttlers Maisnam, Kongthoujam Dingku Singh and Khwairakpam Manjit Singh.
Other disciplines where the state athletes are expected to excel are judo, cycling, boxing, fencing and gymnastics/aquatics.