Manipur’s Ariha Pangambam made history by becoming the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships. The 22-year-old scored 19.10 points at the 2026 Senior Women’s Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tagaytay City, Philippines.
Ariha’s gold marks a major milestone for Indian gymnastics and adds to Manipur’s growing sporting legacy. After narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place finish, she returned to the international stage with a standout performance.
The victory builds on her previous success. In 2025, Ariha won gold in individual aerobic gymnastics at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, establishing herself as a rising athlete.
Her historic performance drew praise from Manipur’s leadership. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called the achievement a moment of immense pride for the state and the nation. He also expressed hope that Ariha would continue to inspire future generations.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla praised her artistry, execution and difficulty score, while highlighting the role of her coach in the achievement. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also congratulated Ariha, calling the victory a proud moment for Manipur and Indian gymnastics.
Ariha Pangambam’s breakthrough marks a new milestone for Indian aerobic gymnastics and highlights Manipur’s continued contribution to the country’s sporting success.
