Manipur's Ariha Pangambam makes history as the first Indian to win individual gold at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships.
IMPHAL — Manipur gymnast Ariha Pangambam has created history by becoming the first Indian to win the senior women's individual gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships in the Philippines.
Competing at the UCI-certified Tagaytay City Velodrome from August 4 to the 7th, Pangambam secured the gold medal with an outstanding score of 19.100 points in the final.
The championship, organised by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines under the aegis of the Asian Gymnastics Union, featured over 400 athletes and officials from 11 countries, including India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, and the host nation.
Pangambam is also a gold medallist in individual aerobics from the last National Games.
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Her victory was widely celebrated in Manipur, with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla calling it a historic milestone in Indian gymnastics. He noted that by becoming the first Indian to claim gold in the senior women's individual event at the Asian Championships, Pangambam had brought immense glory to the nation.
The governor also lauded her coach, acknowledging the guidance and dedication that contributed significantly to the gymnast's success.
"Congratulations also to her coach, whose guidance and dedication played a vital role in this remarkable achievement. A proud moment for Manipur and the nation. Wishing her continued success in the years ahead," the governor wrote on X.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh described the achievement as a moment of immense pride for both the state and the country.
In a post on X, Singh wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Ariha Pangambam on creating history as the first Indian to win an Individual Gold Medal at the 2026 Senior Women’s Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tagaytay City, Philippines. A proud moment for Manipur and the nation. Wishing her continued success in the years ahead.”