68th National School Games : Hosts Manipur emerge overall Thang-Ta and Weightlifting champions
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12 2025: Hosts Manipur emerged overall champions of both the Thang-Ta (U-14 and U-19) and Weightlifting (U-17) disciplines in the 68th National School Games organised under the supervision of the School Games Federation of India by the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur.

Over 860 athletes and officials representing 28 States and UTs participated in the traditional and strength-based competitions, making the event that began on April 7 a vibrant celebration of youth, culture and sportsmanship, said Director of YAS in a press release.

68th National School Games : Hosts Manipur emerge overall Thang-Ta and Weightlifting champions

Manipur emerged overall team champions of the weightlifting competition for U-17 boys and girls held at SAI-NERC Indoor Hall by amassing 424 points.

The event witnessed impressive displays of strength, discipline, and technique by young lifters from across the nation.

Both the State boys and girls emerged team champions in their respective categories with boys securing 192 points and girls securing 232 points.

Punjab (188 points) and Maharashtra (210 points) meanwhile emerged runners up in boys and girls' competitions.

Simultaneously, the martial art of Thang-Ta, indigenous to Manipur, was showcased with spectacular grace and precision at the Indoor Stadium of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, receiving enthusiastic support from both local spectators and visitors.

Manipur U-19 boys and girls emerged overall team champions securing 9 gold and 1 bronze medals as Delhi finished runners up with 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.

Notably, U-19 boys picked four gold and one bronze medals while girls claimed 5 gold medals to amass 10 medals.

Jammu and Kashmir finished U-19 boys' runners up with 1 gold and 2 bronze medals while Delhi finished U-19 girls' runners up collecting 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, U-14 boys and girls racked up 11 gold and 1 silver medals to seal overall team title as Delhi boys and girls finished runners up with 1 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals.

In the boys' category, the Manipur team collected 5 gold and 1 silver to finish atop as Delhi boys secured 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals to settle for the runners up title.

Manipur girls meanwhile registered 6 of 6 gold medals to secure the team title as Uttar Pradesh sealed the runners up title with 3 silver medals.

The closing ceremony was presided by Director (YAS), Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh; Olympian and Commandant of Central sports team in the Central Reserve Police Force, N Kunjarani Devi; President, president of World Thang-ta Federation H Premkumar Singh; SGFI Observer Kamalendu Shil and Field Officer Sandeep Kumar Singh.

Trophies and medals were awarded to the top-performing athletes and states, along with certificates of participation.

The Department of Youth Affairs & Sports also extended heartfelt appreciation to all participating teams, volunteers, technical officials, support staff and others for their contributions toward the smooth conduct of the competitions.

The Department also requested everyone for their continuous support towards 68th National School Games Football for U-19 Boys & Girls, Sepak Takraw for U-17 Boys & Girls and U-19 Boys beginning in Imphal from April 15 to 21 .

The success of the 68th National School Games in Imphal has once again reaffirmed Manipur's status as a hub of sporting talent and tradition, and the spirit of the games continue to inspire and unite youth across the Nation, the release added.