22-year-old Ariha Pangambam from Manipur created history on Thursday by becoming the first Indian to win the senior women's individual gold medal at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships, securing the country's maiden title in the event. Competing at the Tagaytay City Velodrome in Philippines, Pangambam topped the podium with a commanding score of 19.100 points in the final. Her winning performance had 8.650 for artistry, 7.600 for execution and 2.850 for difficulty, finishing ahead of the rest of the players to secure India’s maiden gold in the prestigious senior individual women’s category.

The victory came on the final day of the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships, held from August 4 to 7, 2026. This tournament was organised by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and sanctioned by the Asian Gymnastics Union. There were more than 350 members from 12 countries, including strong contingents from Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Thailand and the host Philippines. India fielded one of the largest teams.

Ariha Pangambam’s journey from Imphal to Asian Championships gold

Ariha was born in 2004 in Imphal, Manipur. She hails from Kongba Uchekkon Moriba Makha and is the daughter of Pangambam Akhelo and Chaoba. The 22-year-old began training in artistic gymnastics at the age of 10 in 2014 under Youth Affairs and Sports coaches before switching to aerobic gymnastics under SAI coaches and later under her long-time mentor Yumnam Ranjan Singh. She made her international debut in 2016 at the FIG Aerobic Gymnastics World Age Group Competitions in South Korea. She has also been part of Asian Championships and World Championships. 

Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) president Sudhir Mital hailed the achievement. “A great achievement for us. Did very well. Kudos to her and her coach,” he said.

The gold also sparked celebrations back home in Manipur. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated the gymnast, calling it “a moment of immense pride for Manipur and the entire nation” and expressing hope that she would continue to inspire future generations.