Imphal | Indian women’s field hockey stars Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam arrived in Imphal to a warm reception following their gold medal triumph at the Asian Games. Both players were felicitated by local sports officials, fans, and community members upon landing in Imphal.

Sushila Chanu highlighted the need for more dedicated hockey grounds and facilities across Manipur to nurture grassroots talent. Bichu Devi credited months of intense preparation for their campaign, with both athletes setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic qualifiers and LA 2028.

Both plyers who represented Indian Hockey team in Asian Games in Japan quenching gold medal after 44 years touched down at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal, on Monday where they were welcomed by emotional family members, youth hockey players, representatives of Manipur Hockey, and sports enthusiasts with traditional Meitei stoles, flower garlands, and local cheers.

Bichu Devi mentioned that the contingent endured an exhausting return route from Japan via Hong Kong and Bengaluru before reaching Imphal with little to no rest.

Drawing on her long international career and multiple knee injuries, Sushila urged aspiring young players across Manipur never to lose heart:

“Life mein give up mat karna. Teen-teen surgery hone ke baad bhi main abhi khel rahi hoon.” (Never give up in life. Even after undergoing three surgeries, I am still playing).

Addressing the early qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, she emphasised that continental gold does not guarantee an automatic individual squad selection, stating that every player must continue grinding in domestic circuits and national camps to earn their spot on the flight to LA.

Bichu Devi noted that wherever she travels on the international circuit, she speaks proudly of Manipur. When asked about the ongoing challenges in the state, she expressed hope for lasting peace and appealed for collective support to rebuild normalcy and foster youth engagement through sports.

Sushila also echoed that through social media posts of her she wants to motivate youngsters and she likes being in touch with the world and wholeheartedly enjoys it. She also sincerely believes that peace should return to Manipur.

With a three-week break, the players are going to re-energise in their home town and practice hard for the road ahead, said the tired players.

It is to be noted that the sports enthusiasm, pride and passion of people of Manipur towards the sports ecosystem and sports in general is something to cherish and be part of the national psyche.

Speaking to Sushila’s father, echoed that after forty four year Indian team has won gold, which makes Manipur and his family proud of the Manipur’s daughters.