Six Wushu players from Manipur are among the 12 Indian players representing the country in the Batumi Open International Wushu Tournament being held at Batumi Sports Palace, Lado Asatiani Street, Georgia from August 3 to August 7. The competition is held with the funding of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia and with the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.
The six players include Langlentombi Hanjabam – nanquan women events, Kangjam Monish – taijiquan events, Jollyson Thangjam-nanquan men’s event, Heishnam Pravabati -52 kg Sanda women, Naresh Nongmaithem-56 kg Sanda men and Thangjam Naocha Meitei-60 kg Sanda men. All players are at present training under Maibam Premkumar Singh, Head Coach SAI, National Center of Excellence (NCOE), Takyel, Imphal and Coach Soibam Ashalata Devi.
Hanjabam Langlentombi is the daughter of Hanjabam Jayedev Sharma and Khongbrailatpam Kamala Devi, residents of Wangkhei Ayangpalli, Imphal-East. She is currently studying Class-X at R.K. Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya, Haotal, Pangei. This young girl had participated 44 competitions out of which she got 28 gold medals, 11 silver medals and bronze medals at State level, National level and International level Wu-Shu competitions. She is participating in the Junior Category in this present tournament from SAI Bhopal while other five of them from SAI Manipur.
Naresh Nongmaithem, son of Nongmaithem Nabachandra Singh and Nongmaithem Shanti Devi living at Kumbi Thong Leikai, Bishnupur District, Manipur. At present he is pursuing Class XII at Kumbi College, Kumbi. He achieved 3 gold medals in Sanchou at District Level, State Level and National Level WUSHU Championship before.
Jollyson Thangjam is the son of Thangjam Jayadeva Meetei and Thongam Mandakini Devi, residents of Khurai Sajor Leikai, Lamlong Bazar, Porompat, Imphal-East. He reads in Class IX at SL. Arena Of Learning, Kongpal Khaidem Leikai, Imphal-East. The other participants are Kangjam Monish for Tajiquan events, Heishnam Pravabati for 52 kg Sanda women and Thangjam Naocha Meitei for 60 kg Sanda men.
This is happening for the first time that SAI Bhopal sponsored Wushu players for the International Tournament. Also, Wushu Committee Manipur wished the participants all the success in their competition. All the players representing India are amidst the competition. Cash Award of 25000 GEL will be distributed to gold medalists (adults).
News Anchor at ISCOM, and a degree holder in mass communication from the Department of Mass Communication, Manipur University
