Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh felicitated Khaidem Shileima Chanu, captain of the Indian Women’s Junior Hockey Team, on September 17. The ceremony took place at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal. The state government honoured Chanu for leading India to success at the Junior Asia Cup 2026.
India won the tournament after defeating host nation China 1-0 in the final in Moqi, China. Chanu’s leadership during the competition earned praise after the team returned home with the continental title.
During the felicitation, Khemchand Singh congratulated the young hockey player. He praised her contribution to the national team and recognised the achievement as a proud moment for Manipur and India.
The Chief Minister also wished Chanu success in her future sporting career. Her achievement has once again highlighted Manipur’s contribution to Indian sports.
India Clinches Junior Asia Cup 2026 Title
The Indian junior women’s team secured the championship with a narrow 1-0 victory over China. The final took place in Moqi, where China competed as the host nation.
The victory capped a successful campaign for the young Indian squad. It also provided another important international achievement for India’s junior hockey programme.
Chanu led the team as captain during the tournament. Hockey India had earlier named her captain of the 18-member squad for the AHF Junior Asia Cup. The competition ran from August 30 to September 13 in China.
The team entered the tournament after an extensive training programme under head coach Tim White. The preparations focused on helping the players face leading junior teams from across Asia.
Chanu Led India Through Key Preparations
Khaidem Shileima Chanu had already taken on a major leadership role before the Junior Asia Cup. In June, Hockey India selected her to captain a 24-member Indian junior women’s squad for an exposure tour of the United Kingdom.
The team played seven matches during the nine-day tour in July. India faced the Scotland senior women’s team before playing junior sides from the United States, England and Belgium.
Hockey India organised the tour to give young players valuable international exposure. It also formed an important part of India’s preparations for the Junior Asia Cup.
Coach Tim White said at the time that the tour would help the squad test its strengths and identify areas for improvement. The experience also allowed the team to develop its combinations before the continental competition.
Chanu’s role as captain placed her at the centre of those preparations.
Warm Welcome for the Hockey Captain in Imphal
Chanu also received a warm welcome after returning to Manipur. Members of Manipur Hockey and others welcomed her at Imphal International Airport on September 17.
Speaking after her arrival, Chanu expressed happiness over representing India as captain. She also spoke about contributing to the team’s title-winning campaign. The young player said she would continue working hard to achieve more success in the future.
The Chief Minister’s felicitation later added to the recognition she received after returning home.
Her success has attracted attention not only because of India’s victory but also because of her leadership of the national junior side.
A Young Midfielder Leading the National Side
Chanu plays as a midfielder and has steadily established herself in India’s junior women’s setup. Hockey India’s current junior national team profile lists her among the team’s midfielders.
She comes from Kairang Mamang Leikai in Manipur’s Imphal East district. Her rise to the captaincy marked an important step in her young sporting career.
Captaining a national junior team brings significant responsibility. The role requires a player to contribute individually while also helping the squad stay organised on the field.
For Chanu, the Junior Asia Cup provided an opportunity to lead India in a major continental competition. The title added another achievement to her growing career.
Manipur Continues Its Strong Sporting Tradition
Chanu’s achievement also draws attention to Manipur’s long association with Indian sport. The northeastern state has produced athletes across several disciplines who have represented the country at major international events.
Hockey remains one of the sports with strong potential in the state. After Chanu’s return, Posterior Hockey Academy coach Kshetrimayum Romesh highlighted that potential and expressed hope that more players from Manipur would reach the national level.
Recognition from the state government can also draw attention to the achievements of young athletes. Chanu’s felicitation comes at an important stage of her career as she continues to compete at the junior international level.
Her journey from Manipur to captaining India also provides a visible example for aspiring hockey players in the state.
Felicitation Marks an Important Career Moment
The September 17 ceremony recognised both Chanu’s individual contribution and the Indian team’s Junior Asia Cup success.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh congratulated her for bringing recognition to Manipur and India. He also extended his best wishes for her future in hockey.
For Chanu, the honour follows months of international preparation and competition. She captained India during the UK exposure tour and then led the team into the Junior Asia Cup.
India’s 1-0 victory over China ultimately gave the campaign a successful conclusion.
The felicitation at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat now adds another milestone to Khaidem Shileima Chanu’s young career. As she looks towards future competitions, her leadership and India’s continental triumph have placed her among the notable emerging players in the country’s junior women’s hockey programme.