GOA, Nov 05: Despite the heartbreak of being denied entry to the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Arunachal Pradesh’s Wushu champions have made a powerful comeback on the national stage, dominating the Wushu events at the 37th National Games in Goa. Displaying resilience, skill, and determination, Nyeman Wangsu, Mepung Lamgu, and Onilu Tega proudly brought home medals for Arunachal Pradesh, showing the nation what true sportsmanship looks like.

Nyeman Wangsu, the 21-year-old Wushu star from Arunachal, captured gold in the Taolu Daoshu event for the second consecutive National Games, following her gold-winning performance at the 36th National Games in Gujarat. Speaking on her journey, Wangsu expressed gratitude for the support and guidance of her coach, Premchandra Singh, who encouraged her and her teammates to focus on future competitions despite the recent setback.

Overcoming Setbacks and Aiming Higher

Reflecting on the disappointment of missing the Asian Games, Wangsu shared, “Ever since we began training, our dream was to compete on the Asian Games stage. Although we were heartbroken, our coach reminded us that we are young, with many opportunities ahead. Dwelling on the past won’t help us progress, so we’re fully focused on future championships.” This winning attitude helped Wangsu, along with her fellow athletes, turn their disappointment into a stepping stone for success.

Arunachal’s Rising Wushu Talent

Wangsu wasn’t the only star of the National Games for Arunachal. Mepung Lamgu, who competed with a knee injury sustained during training, showcased her skill and resilience by securing silver in the Women’s Taijiquan event. Despite her injury, Lamgu displayed flawless technique and composure, highlighting her dedication to the sport.

Meanwhile, Onilu Tega made waves in the Sanda event, defeating top seed Namrata Batra in a thrilling match before being edged out in the quarterfinals of the 52kg category. This remarkable performance placed Arunachal’s Wushu athletes in the national spotlight, gaining them praise and recognition from fans and fellow athletes alike.

A Strong Foundation for Arunachal’s Wushu Future

The recent success of these athletes speaks volumes about the evolving sports infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. As Wushu’s popularity has grown, the state has invested in better facilities, including a new Wushu training arena in Itanagar. This investment has equipped athletes with the resources needed to compete at the highest levels, and as Wangsu shared, “With proper training facilities and a supportive coach, we can focus on our goals and bring honor to our state.”

The achievements of Wangsu, Lamgu, and Tega have inspired young sports enthusiasts across Arunachal Pradesh, who now view Wushu as an accessible path to excellence. Their wins also underscore the dedication of coach Premchandra Singh, whose commitment to growing Wushu in the state has been instrumental in making the sport accessible and respected.

Looking Forward: Wushu World Championships

With their heads held high and eyes set on the future, Arunachal’s Wushu stars are preparing for their next big challenge: the Wushu World Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, from November 16-20, 2023. Energized by their success at the National Games, the trio is training hard, ready to represent India and showcase their strength on the global stage.

Wangsu, reflecting on her goals, added, “We’re excited to compete internationally. Bringing a medal home from the World Championships is the dream, and we’ll keep giving our best, one step at a time.”

A Beacon of Inspiration for Arunachal Pradesh

The accomplishments of Arunachal Pradesh’s Wushu athletes serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire state. Their success at the National Games has not only elevated Wushu’s profile in the region but also serves as a testament to the spirit of Arunachal Pradesh – resilient, determined, and unstoppable.

As Wushu continues to gain traction in Arunachal, young athletes see a pathway to success and honor. For Wangsu, Lamgu, and Tega, this journey is about more than just medals; it’s about showing the world the strength, culture, and determination of Arunachal Pradesh.