Ariha Pangambam Shines with Gold at Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships

A Triumphant Moment for Ariha Pangambam

Ariha Pangambam, a gymnast from Manipur, has made her family proud by winning a gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships. Her father, Pangambam Akhelo, shared the mix of anxiety and excitement they felt while watching her compete.

Ariha secured the gold in the senior individual women's category during the 10th Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, which took place earlier this month in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Akhelo expressed that while the family believed Ariha would earn a medal, they were surprised by her top finish. "We watched her performance on TV, and despite her participation, we were anxious throughout the event. We were confident she would medal, but we never expected her to win. When she did, our hearts overflowed with joy," he recounted.

Challenges Faced in Training

Akhelo highlighted the difficulties Ariha faced during her training in Manipur, which were exacerbated by frequent shutdowns and disruptions in the region. "Training has been tough due to the regular bandhs and the unstable situation in Manipur. These interruptions have greatly impacted her practice schedule. Even with curfews, we tried to get to the gym early in the morning when it was open," he explained.

Acknowledging the Coach's Contribution

He also praised Ariha's coach, Yumnam Ranjan, a retired ex-serviceman, for his significant influence on her gymnastics journey. Ranjan, who trains Ariha at Khuman Lampak, is recognized as an international judge by both the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) and the International Gymnastics Federation. "The coaching and training my daughter receives are on par with those from international coaches," Akhelo noted.

Aspirations for Future Success

The proud father expressed his hopes for Ariha to continue her success and excel in major international competitions. "I dream of my daughter achieving international acclaim and becoming a champion at the World Championships, Olympics, and World Games," he stated.

Ariha's gold medal at the Asian Championships is a remarkable milestone for the young gymnast and signifies the increasing recognition of Indian athletes in the field of gymnastics on the global stage.