SAI-NERC Imphal greets present and former SAI players in Asiad contingent
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2023: Sports Authority of India, North East Regional Centre (SAI, NERC), Imphal has extended best wishes to the former and present State players of the centre included in the Indian contingent for the 19th Asian Games.

The continental marquee event hosted by China in Hangzhou is formally commencing on September 23 and will run till October 8 .

As many 2 present athletes of the centre and 8 athletes who grew up at the centre are representing India in 3 sports disciplines.

Oinam Raseshwari, who is leading the Indian judo team coach at the games, is a product of the SAI-STC Imphal who undertook training at the centre from 1999 to 2009 under coach (L) Sabitri.

SAI-NERC Imphal greets present and former SAI players in Asiad contingent

Raseshwari, daughter of Oinam Irabot of Langthabal Kunja Makha Leikai went on to complete her Diploma in Sports Coaching from NIS Patiala and currently serves as a coach at Inspire Institute of Sports, Bellary, Karnataka.

Raseshwari, during her sporting career, had brought India and Manipur many honours from National and international championships.

Notably, she has become the first Manipuri woman to coach team India at the Asian Games.

The lone judoka from the State in the Indian squad, Maibam Indubala (78 kg category) is also a former athlete of SAI-STC from 2012 to 2017.The 23 year old promising player is a resident of Lilong Chajing Mayai Leikai.

Having won gold medal in the National Games and other National level competitions last year, Indubala also clinched a silver medal at Asian Open 2023 held in Kuwait this year and participated at Dushanbe Grand Prix 2023 in Tajikistan.

She is a daughter of Maibam Amujao.

Naorem Roshibina and Mayanglambam Sunil are also products of SAI STC Imphal who are included in the Wushu squad.

Naorem Roshibina who hails from Kwasiphai in Bishnupur district is a bronze medallist (Sanshou event) in the previous edition of the games hosted in Jakarta.

She joined SAI-STC in 2012 and currently trains at SAI-NERC, Imphal.

Mayanglambam Sunil of Kakching Turel Wangma remained at SAI-STC Imphal from 2012-2016.The hard working athlete is among medal prospects of India at this games.

Elangbam Priya is also among 6 State sepak takraw players included in the Indian squad.

Priya, born to Elangbam Surchand of Hiyanglam Makha Leikai, joined SAI-STC Imphal in 2012 and continues to train at the centre.

She is one of the brightest State players who have bagged many National and international medals.

However, the Hangzhou Games will be her maiden Asian Games participation.

The other State players who were once a part of the SAI-NERC, Imphal are Ayekpam Maipak, Oinam Chaoba, Yumnam Akash, Sorokhaibam Malemnganba and Wahengbam Henary.

Ayekpam Maipak, daughter of Ayekpam Ingochabi of Pubhala, is a seasoned player who undertook training at SAI from 2007 to 2017.Maipak has featured in the previous three editions of the games (Guangzhou Asian Games 2010, Incheon Asian Games 2014 and Jakarta Asian Games 2018) .

Oinam Chaoba, who is a PET at Youth Affairs and Sports Department, had also been a part of SAI from 2011 and 2016.Chaoba, daughter of Oinam Shamu of Wabagai Waikhom Leikai is also an experienced senior player having featured in the Incheon Asian Games 2014 and Jakarta Asian Games 2018 .

Yumnam Akash Meitei, son of Yumnam Nandababu from Laipham Khunou remained at SAI till 2017 from 2009.He has also featured in Incheon Asian Games 2014 and Jakarta Asian Games 2018 .

Sorokhaibam Malemnganba, son of S Malemnganba of Hiyanglam Hiranmei undertook training at SAI from 2010 to 2017 and was in the Indian squad in the last edition of the games.

Wahengbam Henery, who works with SSB, also trained at SAI from 2012 to 2018.Henery, born to W Muhindro of Top Siphai, also represented India in the Jakarta Asian Games.

Dronacharya award recipient and Deputy Director of SAI STC Imphal, Leishangthem Ibomcha not only congratulated the athletes on being selected in the Indian contingent but also extended best wishes to bring home laurels from the Games.