Northeast Athletes Dominate KIUG 2025: Golom Tinku, Sonia Devi, Kiuchangliu Gangmei & Bornali Borah Lead a Strong Regional Surge.
The Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025 witnessed a remarkable surge of dominance from athletes hailing from the Northeast, with gold and silver medals pouring in across weightlifting and fencing. Among the brightest stars were Golom Tinku of Arunachal Pradesh, Waikhom Sonia Devi and Kiuchangliu Gangmei of Manipur, and Bornali Borah of Assam — athletes who not only won medals but showcased the growing sporting firepower of the region.
Golom Tinku Wins Gold in Men’s 60kg Weightlifting
Arunachal Pradesh’s weightlifting sensation Golom Tinku clinched gold in the men’s 60kg category, representing Lovely Professional University (LPU). He delivered a powerful total of 256kg (112kg snatch + 144kg clean & jerk), continuing his rise after successes at international events such as the Commonwealth Championships and World Youth Championships.
Coach Yukar Sibi: The Guiding Force
Behind Tinku’s success is his coach Yukar Sibi, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most respected weightlifting mentors. Sibi’s early coaching, combined with Tinku’s advanced training at the Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune, helped the athlete overcome hardships and emerge as one of India’s most promising young weightlifters.
Waikhom Sonia Devi Takes Gold in Women’s Foil Fencing
Manipur’s Waikhom Sonia Devi displayed exceptional skill and tactical mastery to win gold in the women’s foil event. She defeated compatriot Naorem Mina Devi, who represented Guru Kashi University, in an all-Manipuri final. Sonia’s victory reinforced Manipur’s longstanding legacy as India’s fencing powerhouse. Assistant Professor Ayekpam Dhanapyari Devi of T.S. Paul Manipur Women’s College leads the MU fencing team as the University Sports Manager.
Kiuchangliu Gangmei Wins Silver in Women’s 53kg Weightlifting
In a fiercely contested category, Kiuchangliu Gangmei from Manipur University lifted 167kg, earning a silver medal in the women’s 53kg class. She missed the gold by only one kilogram, making it one of the closest finishes at KIUG 2025.
Bornali Borah — Assam’s Rising Star — Claims Gold in Women’s 53kg Weightlifting
The gold in the same category went to Bornali Borah, a talented weightlifter from Assam, competing for Lovely Professional University (LPU). She lifted a total of 168kg, narrowly edging out Gangmei for the top spot.
Bornali’s victory is significant for Assam, which has been steadily producing elite talent in weightlifting, following the legacy of champions like Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain from the broader Northeast region.
Northeast India: A Growing Sports Powerhouse
The combined achievements of Tinku (Arunachal Pradesh), Sonia and Gangmei (Manipur), and Bornali (Assam) underscore a strong and consistent pattern:
The Northeast continues to establish itself as one of India’s most reliable sources of sporting excellence.
With national selectors and sports federations taking note, these athletes are now expected to spearhead India’s campaigns in upcoming Asian and international competitions. Their KIUG 2025 performances are more than just medals — they are symbols of hope, resilience, and rising opportunity across the Northeast.
From Arunachal’s remote valleys to Manipur’s fencing academies and Assam’s lifting arenas, the Northeast is proving once again:
India’s next generation of champions is already here — and they are rising fast.