State rowers accorded warm reception at Takmu Water Sports Training Centre
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, June 02 2025: State rowers, who shone at the recently concluded 26th Sub-Junior National Rowing Championship, were accorded a warm reception at the Takmu Water Sports Training Centre, Moirang yesterday in a solemn function.

As many as 12 rowers represented Manipur at the championship that was underway from May 27 to 31 at Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad and brought home 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Rajkumar Bidyajit, son of RK Amarjit and RK ongbi Bidyarani of Moirang Konjengbam Leikai, won the silver medal in the sub-junior boys' 500 m single scull competition while Heisnam Swevia, daughter of Heisnam Inaobi and Heisnam ongbi Kamala of Karang Maning Leikai bagged a bronze medal finishing third in the 500 m single scull competition.

State rowers accorded warm reception at Takmu Water Sports Training Centre

Khwairakpam Bidyaluxmi and Leitanthem Prity, meanwhile, bagged the other bronze medal in the U-13 girls' 500 m double scull event.

Bidyaluxmi is the daughter of Khwairakpam Premchan and Khwairakpam ongbi Chandranganbi of Sendra Chingkhong while Leitanthem Pritty is the daughter of Leitanthem Joychandra and Leitanthem ongbi Dolly of Moirang Oksungbung Lairenjam Leikai.

The State team comprising 6 boys and 6 girls were led by coach Khwairakpam Indira and manager Ahongsangbam Rupaban.

All the rowers are the trainees of Takmu Water Sports Training Centre under the guidance of National Rowing team coach N Lakshmi (NSNIS) and Mentor of Khelo India Rowing Centre, Bishnupur District, Kh Indira.

Speaking at the programme, Kh Indira, who coached the State team, stated that Manipur fielded a team of 12 rowers and four rowers of the centre made podium finishes in three events.

Other rowers also put in a dedicated effort in their respective events but missed medals by a whisker, she noted while also highlighting the comparative difference among the State rowers, who train with limited resources and outdated equipment, and other State rowers, who get quality and advanced training aided by world class equipment and kits.

Moreover, the State rowers lack familiarity and handling experience of the equipment they used in the competition.

Despite these hurdles, State rowers came out triumphant in some of the events, she said while expressing confidence that Manipur could have won more medals at the championship had they received enough training with advanced equipment and kits.

Saying that rowers need advanced training equipment in order to achieve greater success, Indira also urged authorities concerned to revamp the centre and boost medal hopes of the State rowers who did not fail to make headlines despite using inferior equipment at the National level competitions.