Wahengbam Sudhir Meetei won Manipur’s first-ever gold medal in Pencak Silat at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026. The 19-year-old clinched gold in the Ganda (Artistic) event alongside partner Premchandra Yengkhom at Diu, marking a historic moment for the state at the national multi-sport event.
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Sudhir’s journey to the podium has been marked by uncertainty and sacrifice. Financial constraints forced him to drop out of his Bachelor of Physical Education course after failing to pay his fifth-semester fees. To support his family, Sudhir works as a welder for a daily wage of ₹500 and assists his father, who runs a small livestock business.
“The income is barely enough to meet household needs, but I contribute whatever I can,” Sudhir said, adding that his decision to discontinue studies was driven by responsibility towards his younger brothers, who are also training in sports.
A trainee of the Nawang Sports Academy in Imphal, Sudhir took up Pencak Silat in 2018, inspired by senior athletes. He rose rapidly through the ranks, winning junior national gold medals in the 45–50 kg and 50–55 kg Tanding (combat) categories, and later secured a silver medal at the 2022 Northeast Games.
His momentum, however, was halted by a freak training accident caused by the absence of proper mat flooring at the academy. His foot got stuck in a hole, severely injuring his toe and forcing him to abandon the Tanding category.
Determined to stay in the sport, Sudhir shifted to the Artistic and Performance events. Training quietly for nearly two years, his perseverance paid off when he won gold in Ganda at the All India National Championships in Lucknow. He later finished fourth at the Asian Pencak Silat Championship in Vietnam, narrowly missing a bronze medal.
“It was a one-second mistake in choosing the wrong weapon that cost us 60 points,” Sudhir recalled. “The pressure caught up with us.”
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Six months later, on an unfamiliar sandy surface in Diu, Sudhir delivered under pressure. Calling the Khelo India Beach Games the toughest test of his career, he said winning gold after making promises to his parents made the moment unforgettable.
Manipur’s success continued with Thokchom Roji winning gold in the women’s 50–55 kg Tanding event, while Yaikhom Rohit secured silver in the men’s category. The state also added two bronze medals in the men’s and women’s team events.
