Manipur shine at Youth Games with gold in Sepaktakraw, Judo
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 08 2025:
Manipur's young athletes delivered a stellar performance on the fifth day of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, securing gold in the girls' Sepaktakraw quad event while the boys' team claimed silver.
The state also shone in judo competition, with Yumnam Bipilia clinch ing gold.
The girls' Sepaktakraw team claimed gold in spectacular fashion, defeating host state Bihar 2-0 in a one-sided quad event final.
The victory marks Manipur's second gold in the discipline at this year's games, following their earlier success in the regu event.
While the girls celebrated, the boys' team had to settle for silver after falling 0-2 to a determined Bihar side in their final.
Despite the loss, their journey to the final showcased Manipur's depth in the sport.
Both teams now turn their attention to the ongoing regu matches, where they remain strong medal contenders.
On the judo mats, Yumnam Bipilia delivered a masterclass in the girls' +63kg category, defeating Sonakshi Pandit of Rajasthan in the gold medal match.
Bipilia executed a perfectly timed ippon in the final minute to seal victory.
Her gold medal contributed to Manipur's three-medal haul in judo (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze), earning them the overall second runners-up position in the team standings.
There was heartbreak for Manipur's boys volleyball team, who lost a tightly contested bronze medal match 25/21, 25/23, 25/21 to Punjab.
The cycling team also fell short of expectations, failing to secure podium finishes in the concluding Kerin events.
With several days of competition remaining, Manipur's athletes remain in contention for more medals as the games progress.