Manipur: Sports Power House and India’s Sporting Jewel
Nestled in India’s Northeast, Manipur may be small in size, but it is immense in sporting excellence. Known as the “Sports Powerhouse of India,” this state has produced athletes who have not only excelled in competitions but have become symbols of resilience, dedication, and inspiration. From the emerald Loktak Lake to the Shirui hills, the land’s natural beauty has nurtured champions who train amid adversity, making Manipur one of the most productive regions for Arjuna Award winners.
The Arjuna Award, established by the Government of India in 1961, honors athletes for consistent international performance over four years. Named after the legendary archer Arjuna from the Mahabharata, it celebrates discipline, focus, and excellence in sport. Recipients receive a bronze statuette, certificate, ceremonial attire, and ₹15 lakh, acknowledging their achievements while inspiring the next generation.
As of December 2025, 18 athletes from Manipur have received the Arjuna Award, spanning 1990 to 2024. This includes 12 women and 6 men, representing sports such as boxing, weightlifting, Wushu, judo, hockey, and archery. Their journeys reflect not only personal triumphs but also the resilience of a state facing decades of insurgency, ethnic conflict, and socio-economic challenges.
1. Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi (Weightlifting, 1990) – The Pocket Dynamo
Born on February 1, 1968, in Nongpok Kakching village, Thoubal district, Kunjarani Devi became the first Manipuri woman to receive the Arjuna Award. Standing at 4’11” and weighing under 44 kg, she earned the nickname “Pocket Dynamo” for lifting weights more than double her body mass. Her career breakthrough came in 1989 with a silver at the World Championships in Manchester, India’s first medal in women’s weightlifting.
From cycling 20 km daily to reach Imphal’s SAI hostel to training with makeshift equipment, her journey epitomized perseverance. Between 1989 and 2002, she won 52 international medals, including four Asian Games silvers and seven consecutive World Championship podiums. Despite injuries threatening her career, she competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics, inspiring future champions like Mirabai Chanu.
Kunjarani’s awards include Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1996), Padma Shri (1997), and retrospective Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021). Even amid the 2023–2025 ethnic unrest, she continues mentoring girls in Imphal, proving that she lifts not just weights, but dreams.
2. Ngangom Dingko Singh (Boxing, 1998) – The Bantamweight Blitz
Born in Sekmai village, Imphal East, on January 1, 1977, Dingko Singh made history with gold at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, India’s first boxing medal at the continental level in 28 years. Orphaned young, he trained under coach Ahmed Iqbal at Khuman Lampak Stadium, blending Thang-Ta martial art techniques with modern boxing.
Dingko’s accolades include bronze at the 1999 World Championships and Commonwealth golds in 1998 and 2002. Though personal struggles marked his later years, his legacy endures through the Dingko Singh Boxing Arena in Imphal, inspiring a new generation of boxers, including Mary Kom.
3. Kshetrimayum Tingonleima Chanu (Hockey, 2000) – Drag-Flick Dynamo
Born in 1982 in Imphal, Tingonleima Chanu was a key forward in India’s women’s hockey team, known for her lethal drag-flicks. Her Arjuna Award in 2000 recognized performances including bronze at the 1998 Asian Games and gold at the SAF Games in 1999. Over 100 international caps, Commonwealth silvers, and Asian Championship medals solidified her status.
Post-retirement, she coaches at SAI Imphal, using hockey to unite displaced girls and communities affected by ethnic conflict, demonstrating how sport fosters both skill and social cohesion.
4. Thingbaijam Sanamacha Chanu (Weightlifting, 2000) – The Flyweight Warrior
Born in 1984 in Kyamgei, Imphal East, Sanamacha Chanu emerged from humble beginnings to international success. Specializing in the 48kg flyweight category, she won Asian Youth golds in 1999 and later achieved Commonwealth silver medals. Post-retirement, she joined Manipur Police and continues coaching, inspiring young athletes even amid 2025’s turmoil.
5. Waikhom Surajlata Devi (Hockey, 2003) – Defensive Pillar
Hailing from Imphal’s Yaiskul, Surajlata Devi earned the Arjuna Award for defensive brilliance, including 2002 Commonwealth Games silver. With over 150 international caps, she contributed to Olympic qualifications and now coaches youth and displaced girls, fostering sports as a tool for resilience and peac
6. M. C. Mary Kom (Boxing, 2003) – The Magnificent Mother
Born November 1, 1983, in Kangathei village, Mary Kom rose from a tribal farming background to become India’s most decorated boxer. With six World Championships, Olympic bronze (2012), and multiple Asian golds, she defied personal and societal challenges, including a miscarriage in 2008. Beyond the ring, she serves as an MP and mentors refugees, embodying strength, leadership, and empowerment.
7. Angom Anita Chanu (Judo, 2004) – The Ippon Queen
Anita Chanu, from Andro village, Imphal East, blended Judo with Thang-Ta traditions, winning the 2004 Arjuna Award for multiple Asian medals and SAF golds. Post-retirement, she teaches self-defense to girls, emphasizing safety, discipline, and empowerment in 2025’s challenging environment.
8. Khumujam Tombi Devi (Judo, 2007) – The Grappling Force
Born in Imphal West in 1984, Tombi Devi earned the Arjuna for World Military bronze and Asian Championship silvers. She competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and now coaches at SAI Imphal, using Judo to bridge ethnic divides.
9. Laishram Sarita Devi (Boxing, 2009) – The Iron Lady
Hailing from Nongpok Sekmai, Sarita Devi’s 2009 Arjuna Award recognized World bronze and Asian silver medals. Even after controversial disqualification at the 2014 Asian Games, she returned to achieve success, coaching displaced youth in 2025 and mentoring the next generation of boxers.
10. Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh (Boxing, 2011) – Flyweight Flurry
Born 1985 in Imphal, Suranjoy Singh earned his Arjuna post-2010 Commonwealth gold. Now retired, he coaches mixed-ethnic youth, promoting sports as a tool for unity and peace.
11. Wangkhem Sandhyarani Devi (Wushu, 2011) – The Sword Dancer
From Imphal East, born 1986, Sandhyarani Devi won 2011 Arjuna for Asian gold in Wushu. Today, she promotes martial arts and judges competitions, spreading sportsmanship and harmony.
12. Ngangbam Soniya Chanu (Weightlifting, 2012) – The 48kg Sentinel
Born 1989 in Imphal, Soniya Chanu earned her Arjuna Award after a Commonwealth silver. She now trains athletes while assisting displaced communities in fitness programs.
13. Laishram Bombayla Devi (Archery, 2012) – Recurve Rainmaker
From Porompat, born 1985, Bombayla Devi reached London Olympic quarters, winning World Cup golds. She coaches amidst conflict, ensuring continuity of archery excellence.
14. Mayanglambam Bimoljit Singh (Wushu, 2012) – Gunshu Guardian
Born 1985, Bimoljit Singh mastered Wushu gunshu, earning the Arjuna post-Asian gold. He coaches youth, blending sports with social dialogue.
15. Yumnam Renubala Chanu (Weightlifting, 2014) – The 48kg Echo
Born 1986 in Imphal East, Renubala Chanu’s Commonwealth silver earned her 2014 Arjuna. Now serving in the police, she inspires communities with fitness and discipline.
16. Yumnam Sanathoi Devi (Wushu, 2015) – Taijiquan Tranquilizer
Born 1990 in Imphal, Sanathoi Devi excels in Taijiquan, earning the 2015 Arjuna. She now teaches harmony through martial arts academies.
17. Likmabam Sushila Devi (Judo, 2022) – Youthful Ippon Innovator
Born 1999 in Imphal, Sushila Devi won Asian Youth golds and the 2022 Arjuna Award. She continues training amid 2025 curfews, inspiring young athletes.
18. Naorem Roshibina Devi (Wushu, 2024) – Sword of Serenity
Born 2000 in Bishnupur, she earned the 2024 Arjuna for Commonwealth taolu gold, mentoring refugees with martial arts and poise.
Manipur’s 18 Arjuna Awardees have collectively won over 50 international medals, establishing India’s global sporting presence. From Kunjarani Devi’s pioneering lifts to Roshibina Devi’s martial elegance, these athletes exemplify resilience, excellence, and social impact. Amid adversity, ethnic conflicts, and infrastructure challenges, their achievements continue to inspire, unite, and shape future generations of Manipuri athletes.
The Sports Powehouse of India, Manipur proves that champions are forged in the crucible of determination, culture, and community—a lesson for all of India and the world.