State gymnast shines at global arena against all odds
Source: Chronicle News Service / Rajachandra Mutum

Imphal, December 13 2024: Gymnastics, one of the less popular sports in Manipur, has long struggled with the lack of proper infrastructure.

Despite this, state gymnasts have been competing in both national and international levels, training/relying on equipment installed during the 1999 National Games hosted by the state.

The story of gymnastics in Manipur dates back to 1960, when Yanglem Biramangol, then a teacher at Heirangoithong Girls' High School, introduced the sport to the state.

Over the years, he produced over 10 international gymnasts who earned numerous accolades.

Biramangol trained gymnasts using locally made equipment before the YAS Department procured conventional equipment in 1972.In 1981, more locally made equipment was added, and in 1982, his efforts reap fruit when Yanglem Bijen became the first gymnast from Manipur to represent India in the Asian Games that year.

From 2006 onward, Manipur saw the rise of several international gymnasts, including Luwangleima Meisnam, Jivan, Suchitra, Sanasam Setyajit, Laishram Sanjay, and Gurumayum Mrinalini.

In 2016, sisters Pangambam Ariha and Anjuri joined this group, becoming the youngest international gymnasts from the state.

Ariha, daughter of Pangambam Akhelo and Chaoba of Kongba Uchekkon Moriba Makha, has represented Manipur and India in nine national and 14 international competitions.

Speaking to The People's Chronicle, Ariha recalled how she began practicing artistic gymnastics at the age of 10 under YAS coaches Ranjita and Bunem in 2014.Later that year, she transitioned to aerobic gymnastics under SAI coaches Pritila and Khunjaoba (Sanayaima) before training under Yumnam Ranjan.

Ariha made her international debut in 2016, competing in the 7th FIG Aerobic Gymnastics World Age Group Competition as part of the India team.

Remarkably, this debut came even before she participated in any national competition.

She finished 11th in the event and continued competing in age group categories until 2018 .

Since 2022, Ariha has participated in nine senior international competitions, clinching her first international gold medal at the 3rd SISB Bangkok Aerobic Gymnastics Competition held in Thailand in April this year.

Despite practicing with outdated equipment installed during the 1999 National Games, Ariha has consistently excelled.

She highlighted that torn floor mats and worn-out equipment have created hurdles in her training at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

With no initiative from the department, gymnasts' parents had to pool in money to repair the equipment.

However, Ariha expressed satisfaction with her international performance, given the challenges at her training hall.

She further mentioned that gymnasts often face difficulty when their practice equipment is removed to accommodate other sports or events in the indoor stadium.

Following a meeting between parents and the YAS director, the practice area has been left untouched, allowing the gymnasts to have uninterrupted access.

Ariha also noted that gymnastics is suitable for Manipuri players, but many come from poor family backgrounds.

This lack of resources and support sometimes forces athletes to switch to other sports.

Since 2017, Ariha has won gold medals in all the national competitions she participated in, including two gold at the 37th National Games held in Goa last year in the individual and trio categories.

She emphasised the need for modern equipment and a better training hall while drawing attention of the government in this regard, and also expressed confidence that such improvements would enable more national and international successes.

Ariha also called for separate policies for different sports to ensure better management and maximise players' potential.

In September this year, Ariha participated in the 18th GIG Aerobic Gymnastics World Championship held in Italy, where she secured fourth place.

Under the guidance of Yumnam Ranjan and choreography by FIG Aerobic Technical Committee member Desilaba, she has refined her techniques.

She is currently preparing for the upcoming National Games in Chhattisgarh, scheduled from January 28 to February 14, and the Suzuki World Cup in Japan next year.

Ariha's journey, marked by perseverance and achievements despite infrastructural challenges, stands as a testimony to the potential of the state's gymnasts and the pressing need for better support systems to nurture their talents.

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