It is always a matter of great pride and joy when athletes of Manipur get the chance to represent the state at the national and international arenas. And it is even more special when the athletes are from remote and backward corners like Ukhrul district.
On Saturday, 25 February, the All Manipur Body Builders’ Association (AMBBA) announced the name of five athletes and two coaches to represent the state at the upcoming 12th Federation Cup 2023 to be held at Nainital, Uttarkhand on April 14-15 this year.
The AMBBA team will participate in different competitions like senior men’s and women’s bodybuilding and men’s and women’s physique sports championship.
Among the selected athletes are two girls from Ukhrul district, namely Mayaonthei Raleng, daughter of Vareingam Raleng of Kasomtang, Hunphun village and Mayoshim Khapai Yanao Shimrah, daughter of Daniel Khapai Yanao Shimrah of Kazipphung, Hungpung village.
They will take part in the Women’s Sports Model Physique competitions in the open category.
Both Mayaonthei Raleng and Mayoshim Khapai were trained at the Royal Gymnasium, Phungreitang under renowned bodybuilder and Coach Robert Leishangthem.
Meanwhile, it is yet another notch in the belt of the Royal Gymnasium.
In recent years, Ukhrul’s bodybuilding and fitness scene has been on the rise, thanks to the efforts of talented athletes and dedicated coaches like Robert Leishangthem.
This is a huge achievement for the district and will no doubt inspire more young people to take up the sport, especially body building.
According to Coach Robert Leishangthem, who is also the principal of Ukhrul Central School (UCS), both Mayaonthei Raleng and Mayoshim Khapai are currently undergoing rigorous training and preparation at his gym.
While expressing elation over the selection of his trainees, Robert also extended his gratitude to Henry of Moreh and Wungreithei of Lunghar for going the extra mile in helping out the two girls.
The other three selected bodybuilders include L Sobhaschandra Singh of Manipur police sports club for 85kg Men’s bodybuilding, Leishangthem Sarita of Royal Fitness Academy Thoubal in women’s bodybuilding (Open category), and Engudam Kavita Chanu of Friends Fitness Gym, Tera in women’s bodybuilding (Open category).
The two officials of AMBBA are Y Nirbir Singh (Manager cum coach) and W Jamuna Devi (Assistant coach) who will accompany the state athletes for the two-day long competitions.
The seven member state team was selected during a trial selection conducted by AMBBA on 25 February.
