Manipur gymnast Ariha Pangambam has created history by becoming the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in the senior women’s category at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Ariha secured the landmark title after topping the final with a score of 19.100 points. Her performance gave India its first senior women’s individual gold in the continental championship and marked a significant achievement for Indian aerobic gymnastics. In the final, Ariha earned 8.650 points for artistry, 7.600 points for execution and 2.850 points for difficulty. Her artistry score was the highest among the components of her winning routine. The achievement was welcomed by the Gymnastics Federation of India, with its president Sudhir Mital praising Ariha’s performance and acknowledging the contribution of her coach.
“A great achievement for us. Did very well. Kudos to her and her coach,” Mital said. Ariha’s victory also received praise from Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who congratulated the gymnast in a Facebook post. “Heartiest congratulations to Ariha Pangambam on scripting history by becoming the first Indian to win an Individual Gold Medal at the 2026 Senior Women’s Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tagaytay City, Philippines,” the chief minister wrote. Singh described the achievement as “a moment of immense pride for Manipur and the entire nation” and said he hoped Ariha would continue to inspire future generations while bringing further laurels to the country.
He also extended his wishes to the gymnast for “an even brighter future”. The gold medal places Ariha among the leading names in Indian aerobic gymnastics and underlines the growing presence of athletes from Manipur on the international stage. Her historic performance in Tagaytay City also gives Indian gymnastics a significant milestone at the Asian level.
