Imphal: Manipur’s young Taekwondo athletes delivered a standout performance at the 11th National Open Taekwondo Championship in Kolkata, clinching 18 medals and underlining the State’s growing strength in the sport.

The championship was held on December 29 and 30, 2025, at Mantosh Estate on Canal Circular Road in Kolkata. Representing Manipur under the banner of the All Manipur Taekwondo Association, the contingent featured sub-junior, junior, and cadet players from Laira Fighters Club, Uripok. They competed across Kyorugi sparring and Poomsae events, both individual and group.

In Kyorugi, Manipur athletes dominated multiple weight categories. Thangjam Piyush won gold in the sub-junior under 25 kg division, while Diamond Langlenhambam claimed gold in the sub-junior under 40 kg category. Gold medals were also secured by Lempakpam Vedrajit Singh in sub-junior over 50 kg, Vedagyand Thiyam in cadet over 65 kg, and Yaithengbam Bimolchand Singh in junior under 59 kg. Silheiba Warepam and Lonison Wahengbam added silver medals in their respective sub-junior categories.

The team continued its strong showing in Poomsae. In individual events, gold medals were won by Thangjam Piyush, Silheiba Warem, Diamond Langlenhambam, and Lempakpam Vedrajit Singh, while Lonison Wahengbam earned silver. In group Poomsae, Diamond Langlenhambam, Lonison Wahengbam, and Lempakpam Vedrajit Singh secured gold, with Thangjam Piyush, Silheiba Warem, and Lonison Wahengbam adding silver medals.

The overall medal tally stood at 12 gold and six silver, taking the total to 18.

The medal winners were accorded a warm reception at Imphal International Airport by coaches, family members, well-wishers, and members of the local sports fraternity. Coach Edison Konthoujam praised the athletes’ discipline and fighting spirit, crediting their success to consistent training, hard work, and strong family support. He said the team’s determination to represent Manipur with pride was evident throughout the championship.

Members of the sports fraternity said such performances not only bring recognition to the State but also strengthen grassroots sports development, expressing hope that the achievement would inspire more young athletes in Manipur to take up Taekwondo seriously.