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Sports
Manipur's Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu clinches bronze in Wushu at 2026 Youth Olympics
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 04:01 PM
👁 18
Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu of Manipur secured a bronze medal in the Wushu competition at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, adding to India's medal tally.
Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu, a 17‑year‑old athlete from Manipur, finished third in the women's Wushu event at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games held in Buenos Aires. Her performance in the sanda (sparring) category earned her a bronze medal, marking her first podium finish at an Olympic‑level competition.
The Youth Olympics, which bring together the world’s top under‑18 athletes, saw Chanu defeat several higher‑ranked opponents before falling short in the semi‑finals. She secured the bronze by winning the repechage bout against a competitor from Thailand.
Chanu’s achievement is being hailed by the Indian Olympic Association as a boost for the country’s martial arts program. Officials noted that her success could inspire greater participation in Wushu across the northeastern states, where the sport enjoys a growing following.
The medal also contributes to India’s overall tally at the Games, where the nation currently holds a mix of gold, silver and bronze medals across various disciplines. Chanu will return to Manipur to a hero’s welcome and is expected to continue training for senior‑level international events.
The Youth Olympics, which bring together the world’s top under‑18 athletes, saw Chanu defeat several higher‑ranked opponents before falling short in the semi‑finals. She secured the bronze by winning the repechage bout against a competitor from Thailand.
Chanu’s achievement is being hailed by the Indian Olympic Association as a boost for the country’s martial arts program. Officials noted that her success could inspire greater participation in Wushu across the northeastern states, where the sport enjoys a growing following.
The medal also contributes to India’s overall tally at the Games, where the nation currently holds a mix of gold, silver and bronze medals across various disciplines. Chanu will return to Manipur to a hero’s welcome and is expected to continue training for senior‑level international events.