Imphal: In a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of Indian sports, Manipur’s own Hanjabam Langlentombi Devi has become the first Indian woman to clinch a silver medal at the prestigious Asian Taolu Cup. Her historic triumph unfolded on July 10, 2025, at the inaugural Asian Taolu Cup and the second edition of the Asian Sanda Cup, held in the vibrant city of Songyuan, Jilin Province, China.
Langlentombi’s stellar performance saw her secure the silver in the demanding Nanquan event, earning a remarkable score of 9.643. Her exquisite display of skill and precision saw her outshine a formidable field of competitors from across the Asian continent, firmly placing India on the medal tally at one of Wushu’s most significant events.
The twin tournaments, a collaborative effort by the Wushu Federation of Asia, witnessed a grand gathering of 271 athletes and officials representing 20 nations and regions. Spanning from July 4, the competitions served as a crucible for some of the finest Wushu talents the continent has to offer.
Langlentombi, a proud daughter of Hanjabam Jayadev Sharma and Kongbarilatpam Kamala Devi, hails from Wangkhei Ayangpalli in Imphal East district, a region renowned for its rich sporting heritage.
Among the first to herald her achievement was Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Taking to Facebook, he lauded her, stating, “We are immensely proud of your incredible performance at the 1st Asian Taolu Cup & 2nd Asian Sanda Cup, where you clinched the Silver Medal in the Nanquan event, and became the 1st Indian woman to achieve this honour. Keep soaring higher and continue to inspire our youth.”
This groundbreaking accomplishment is being hailed as a watershed moment for Indian women in Wushu, a martial art that, despite its growing popularity, is yet to make it to the Olympic stage. Langlentombi’s success is poised to ignite a surge in participation and support for the sport across India, particularly in the Northeast, where martial arts traditions run deep. The Indian Wushu fraternity has lauded her performance as a defining juncture, with national-level coaches and officials underscoring the urgent need for enhanced training infrastructure and greater international exposure to build upon such inspiring achievements.
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