Imphal: Manipur hockey stars Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu and Kharibam Bichu Devi touched down at Imphal International Airport to a hero's welcome. Families, well-wishers, and officials from Hockey Manipur swarmed the terminal to celebrate the pair. They recently helped the Indian women's hockey team secure gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The victory broke a 44-year drought for India in the competition.
Sushila's mother, Pukhrambam Lata Devi, beamed during the celebration. "I am extremely happy that my daughter's team won the gold this time. This is the first time the Indian women's hockey team has won the Asian Games gold. They have won silver and bronze medals in the past, but the gold is a first," she said. Sushila, a native of Hijam Dewan Leikai in Imphal West, credited the win to collective effort. She noted that while national facilities have improved, Manipur needs more hockey complexes beyond the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium and the SAI Sports Complex to foster young talent.
Bichu Devi, hailing from Charangpat in Thoubal district, pushed through six months of grueling training for this result. She highlighted that beating China and punching a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics marked the peak of their performance. "Defeating China and qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games was not easy. The entire team is proud and happy with the gold medal," Bichu said. Her mother, Ibema, recalled the dark times when her daughter almost quit the sport. Persistent encouragement kept her in the game. Now, both athletes look toward the next Olympic cycle.
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