📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Priojit3875
Sports
Manipur Unveils 36 Athletes for Asian Games, Highlights Talent-Medal Gap
✍️ e-pao.net
🗓 05 Oct 2026, 10:31 AM
👁 10
Manipur has announced a squad of 36 athletes for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, spanning sports like judo, weightlifting and badminton. Officials highlighted a persistent gap between the state’s talent and its medal prospects.
Manipur’s sports authorities released a roster of 36 athletes who will represent the state at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The team covers a range of disciplines including judo, weightlifting, badminton, and wrestling, with a mix of seasoned competitors and promising newcomers.
The announcement underscores the state’s expanding sports infrastructure, which has produced athletes who have competed at national and international levels. Several of the selected players have previously secured medals in national championships, while others are making their debut on the continental stage.
Despite the depth of talent, officials noted a persistent gap between the athletes’ potential and the medals they can realistically win. They cited factors such as limited access to world‑class coaching, inadequate training facilities, and a lack of exposure to high‑level competition as key obstacles.
The release comes amid broader discussions about increasing sports funding in Manipur and implementing targeted development programs to bridge the performance gap and enhance the state’s medal tally in future international events.
The announcement underscores the state’s expanding sports infrastructure, which has produced athletes who have competed at national and international levels. Several of the selected players have previously secured medals in national championships, while others are making their debut on the continental stage.
Despite the depth of talent, officials noted a persistent gap between the athletes’ potential and the medals they can realistically win. They cited factors such as limited access to world‑class coaching, inadequate training facilities, and a lack of exposure to high‑level competition as key obstacles.
The release comes amid broader discussions about increasing sports funding in Manipur and implementing targeted development programs to bridge the performance gap and enhance the state’s medal tally in future international events.