Kolkata: Ariha Pangambam has scripted history becoming first Indian to win a gold medal in the senior women’s individual event at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships.
The Indian gymnast finished first in the final with a score of 19.100 to claim India’s first-ever gold medal in the event.
Ariha scored 8.650 in artistry, 7.600 in execution and 2.850 in difficulty to secure the title.
She clinched the title by outscoring her closest rivals, Kanokpit Mali of Thailand and Mahiro Kishibe of Japan, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The continental event, sanctioned by the Asian Gymnastics Union, brought together more than 400 athletes and officials from 11 countries.
Hailing from Imphal, Manipur, she trained under her coach Yumnam Ranjan Singh , rising through the ranks at international competitions.
Ariha has represented India in multiple International Championships, with her notable wins being bronze at the Asian Cup and gold in the National Games in 2023 and 2025.
She also contested at international platforms like the FIG Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships, the Suzuki World Cup in Japan.
Ariha finished fourth at the Asian Championships in both 2022 and 2024, sealing this 2026 victory as a testament to her hard work. She is currently pursuing sports leadership studies at AISTS India.
“A great achievement for us. Did very well. Kudos to her and her coach,” Gymnastics Federation of India president Sudhir Mital said, as quoted by PTI.
The 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships were held in the Philippines from August 4 to 7.
