Manipur's Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu Wins India's First-Ever Youth Olympics Wushu Medal!

India has a new reason to celebrate on the global sporting stage! Manipur's Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu has created history by winning bronze in the women's changquan combined wushu event at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.With a combined score of 18.039, Rajkumari became the first Indian athlete to win a wushu medal at the Youth Olympics. The achievement is particularly special as wushu is making its debut as a medal sport at the Dakar Games.A determined fight for the podiumRajkumari's medal-winning performance came through two demanding routines — gunshu, performed with a staff, and changquan, a style of long-fist martial arts known for its dynamic movements, speed and flexibility.She scored 8.723 in gunshu, placing fourth after the first routine. However, she made a strong comeback in changquan, scoring an impressive 9.316. Her combined score of 18.039 lifted her to third place and secured the bronze medal.Egypt's Sondos Sonbol won gold with 18.660, while Venezuela's Valeria Frannerys Dudamel Alvarado took silver with 18.199.Manipur's growing wushu legacyHailing from Manipur, a state with a strong tradition in wushu, Rajkumari is among a new generation of athletes carrying India's martial arts talent to international platforms. She had already shown her potential earlier this year by winning bronze in the girls' youth changquan event at the 2026 World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China.Her latest achievement adds another milestone to India's wushu journey. Manipur's Naorem Roshibina Devi, who won India's only wushu medal at the 2026 Asian Games, has also helped bring recognition to the sport.India's medal tally rises in DakarRajkumari's bronze became India's third medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, taking the country's tally to one silver and two bronze medals.Earlier, Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada won silver in the women's judo 63kg category, while swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu made history with bronze in the women's 100m freestyle, becoming India's first Youth Olympic swimming medallist.With her historic finish, Rajkumari has added a new chapter to Indian wushu. Her achievement could also inspire more young athletes to take up the sport and dream of international success.