IMPHAL, July 11: In a landmark achievement for Indian martial arts, Hanjabam Langlentombi Devi has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win silver medals at both the 1st Asian Taolu Cup and the 2nd Asian Sanda Cup. These prestigious events, organized under the Asian Wushu Federation, witnessed participation from the finest athletes across the continent, and Langlentombi’s triumph has brought immense pride to India and her home state of Manipur.
With an impressive score of 9.643 in the Nanquan event, Langlentombi secured the second spot on the podium at the Asian Taolu Cup, making her the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in the Nanquan category at this continental level. She followed it up with another silver in Sanda, the full-contact combat division, at the 2nd Asian Sanda Cup—demonstrating her exceptional versatility and mastery across both form and combat styles of Wushu.
Hailing from Manipur, a state renowned for its contribution to Indian sports and particularly martial arts, Langlentombi has been a standout athlete in the national Wushu scene for years. Her latest international success has further reinforced Manipur’s reputation as a cradle of talent in combat sports.
The Wushu Association of India and sports authorities in Manipur have lauded her achievement, calling it a breakthrough for Indian women in international martial arts. They emphasized the need for increased visibility, infrastructure, and support for indigenous and Asian martial arts like Wushu within the country’s sports ecosystem.
