"Next Time, Gold": Manipur's Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu Makes History at Youth Olympics
15-year-old Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu makes history with India's first Wushu medal at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
Fifteen-year-old Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu has etched her name into the annals of Indian sporting history. Representing India at the Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, the young Wushu prodigy from Manipur secured a bronze medal, marking the first time India has ever won a Wushu medal at the Youth Olympics.
A Historic Performance in Dakar
Chanu's journey to the podium was marked by a resilient comeback. She accumulated a total of 18.039 points to secure the third-place finish. Her performance was split between two demanding routines: she scored 8.723 in the Gunshu (staff routine) and an impressive 9.316 in the Changquan (long fist).
While the bronze is a landmark achievement for the country, the young athlete is already looking toward the top of the podium. Speaking to ANI, Chanu admitted that while she is thrilled, she had her sights set higher.
"I am very excited because I won a bronze medal at the first Wushu Youth Olympic Games in 2026. I want to dedicate this to my coaches and my family, because they give me a lot of motivation and support. I thought I would win the gold or silver. I made some mistakes, which is why I got the bronze medal. Next time, I will do my best and bring home the gold medal," she stated.
From Gymnastics to Wushu: The Rise of a Champion
Rajkumari's path to international glory began not with Wushu, but with gymnastics. She started her sporting journey in 2017 and tasted early success in 2019, winning a bronze medal in the Sub Junior category at the State Level Gymnastics Championship.
In 2021, she made a pivotal switch to Wushu. This transition proved fruitful as she went on to win several medals in national World Championships before making her international debut in Senegal, where she became a trailblazer for Indian Wushu.
The Struggle Behind the Success
Behind the glamour of the Olympic medal lies a story of immense financial hardship and sacrifice. Rajkumari is the daughter of Raj Kumar Arun Singh, a logistics company driver, and Raj Kumar Ongbi, an artist at the Manipur Dramatic Union. The family resides in Imphal East District, having moved to Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai, Thongju Part-II.
Her father, Rajkumar Arun Singh, revealed the grueling financial reality of supporting an elite athlete on a modest income. With a monthly salary of approximately ₹10,000 to ₹12,000, the family struggled to afford the high costs of sports attire, equipment, and preparation.
The financial hurdles included:
- Borrowing for Basics: The family often had to borrow money from acquaintances to cover tournament expenses, noting that repaying these loans makes it difficult to ask for help again.
- Cost of Living: Singh highlighted that skyrocketing fuel and commodity prices make surviving on a ₹12,000 salary nearly impossible.
- Delayed Funding: While the government, the Indian federation, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) cover airfare and travel, Singh noted that these funds are not always provided on time, leaving the family in a lurch.
A Father's Pride
Despite the hardships, the emotional reward has been priceless. Rajkumar Arun Singh recalled the moment of victory, watching his daughter win the medal on his mobile phone while he was on duty. Overwhelmed with joy, he expressed that his daughter has now become "the daughter of the entire nation."
The family remains steadfast in their commitment to Rajkumari's dreams, stating they are ready to make any sacrifice necessary to see her bring further glory to India.