Manipur's Sudhir Meetei Triumphs at Khelo India Beach Games Amidst Challenges

Overcoming Adversity in Pencak Silat

Wahengbam Sudhir Meetei, a young athlete from Manipur, has faced numerous hurdles in his Pencak Silat journey. Financial constraints forced him to prioritize work over sports, and a serious injury during training nearly shattered his aspirations. He even had to withdraw from his Bachelor of Physical Education program after failing to pay his semester fees, transitioning from the Tanding (combat) category to the Artistic Category to continue participating in the sport, as reported by SAI Media.

A Family's Struggle

Sudhir, the eldest of three brothers in a family of five, shared, "My father operates a small livestock business, and I help him sell pigs after my welding job, which pays me Rs 500 daily. This income is insufficient for our family's needs, so I strive to contribute as much as I can." He expressed a desire for his younger siblings to excel in sports, but financial difficulties led him to leave college during his fifth semester.

Early Achievements and Setbacks

Sudhir began his Pencak Silat journey in 2018, inspired by his seniors at the Nawang Sports Academy in Imphal. He quickly made a name for himself, winning gold at the junior nationals in the 45-50kg Tanding category and later in the 50-55kg division in 2021. However, a serious training injury, caused by inadequate flooring at the academy, forced him to switch from Tanding to the Artistic and Performance category.

Determined Comeback

For two years, Sudhir trained diligently at the academy, aiming for a comeback. His hard work paid off when he clinched a gold medal at the All India National Championships in Lucknow and narrowly missed a podium finish at the Asian Pencak Silat Championship in Vietnam.

Victory at the Khelo India Beach Games

Sudhir made a remarkable debut at the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, leading Manipur to its first gold medal of the 2026 edition. "This was my first Khelo India Beach Games, and I promised my parents I would return with a gold. During the final, I felt nervous, recalling my conversations with them, but I am thrilled to have won," he stated. He described the experience as the toughest of his career, noting the challenges of performing on sand but relishing the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious platform.