Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Thirty-six athletes from Manipur are set to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The games kicked off September 19 and run through October 4. These competitors form a core part of the national team across ten different sports.
Sepaktakraw claims the largest local contingent with 12 players. The men’s squad features Y. Akash, S. Malemnganba, W. Henary, M. Ashok, and E. Lokhon. The women’s roster includes A. Maipak, O. Chaoba, E. Priya, E. Leirentombi, E. Shilpa, L. Prity, and Y. Malemnganbi. Coach P. Durjit leads this group.
Other Manipuri athletes are spread thin across nine additional disciplines. These include six in canoeing and kayaking, three each in cycling, fencing, weightlifting, wushu, and hockey. Boxing, rowing, and judo each feature one participant. In total, three coaches from the state are also involved.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh offered his support to the traveling party on Saturday. He urged them to show grit. He told them to "compete with confidence, discipline and determination and give their best in their respective events."
The All Manipur Sepaktakraw Association, led by General Secretary Ch. Geskant, also cheered the team. The Indian Sepaktakraw squad totals 21 athletes and four coaches. Nationally, India sent 503 athletes to Japan to face off in 36 sports.
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