Ariha Pangambam Makes History as First Indian to Win Gold at Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships
Historic Achievement for Indian Gymnastics
Manipur gymnast Ariha Pangambam
Imphal, Aug 8: Ariha Pangambam from Manipur has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the senior women's individual gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, which took place in the Philippines in 2026.
During the competition held at the UCI-certified Tagaytay City Velodrome from August 4 to 7, Ariha achieved an impressive score of 19.100 points in the finals, showcasing her remarkable artistry, impeccable execution, and a challenging routine. This victory marks India's first gold in the senior women's individual aerobic gymnastics category.
The event, organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines under the Asian Gymnastics Union, saw participation from over 400 athletes and officials representing 11 nations, including India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, and the host country.
Ariha's groundbreaking win has been celebrated across Manipur, with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressing immense pride for both the state and the nation. He emphasized that this gold medal symbolizes the talent, perseverance, and dedication of Manipuri athletes, hoping it would motivate young sports enthusiasts to strive for excellence on the global stage.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also extended his congratulations to Ariha, labeling her victory as a historic milestone for Indian gymnastics. He acknowledged that her achievement as the first Indian to secure gold in the senior women's individual event at the Asian Championships has brought significant honor to the country.
Furthermore, the Governor praised Ariha's coach for their invaluable guidance and commitment, which played a crucial role in her success. He expressed his wishes for Ariha to continue her winning streak and anticipated that she would bring more international accolades to India's sporting legacy.