Khelo India Beach Games 2025: Manipur and Assam Strike Gold in Sepak Takraw Trio Events, Shine on Diu Sands

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Khelo India Beach Games 2025: The vibrant sands of Ghoghla Beach, Diu, bore witness to thrilling sporting drama as the North-East states of Manipur and Assam stamped their authority in the Sepak Takraw trio events at the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025.

In an exhilarating display of skill, resilience, and determination, Manipur clinched the women’s trio gold, while Assam emerged victorious in the men’s trio final, both matches culminating late on Thursday evening to widespread acclaim.

North-East States Dominate Sepak Takraw at KIBG 2025

The trio events of Sepak Takraw at KIBG 2025 turned out to be a showcase of the exceptional talent hailing from the North-East. Manipur clinched the women's gold by overcoming fierce competition from Nagaland in a thrilling 2-1 victory in the final. On the men's side, Assam proved their mettle by edging out Delhi 2-1 in a fiercely contested final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats late into Thursday evening.

Jaina Devi Langoljam, a key player for Manipur in the women's trio, shared her excitement and insights with SAI Media. "Both of us (Nagaland and we) played well in the final but we showcased in the match that we had the upper hand," she said. "They won the first set but we bagged the confidence to win the 2nd and 3rd set, and ultimately win the match." Her words reflected the tenacity and determination that defined

Manipur’s Women’s Trio: From Court to Sand, a Steep Learning Curve

The gold in the women's trio event marked Manipur's fourth medal in sepak takraw at the KIBG 2025. The state also secured a silver each in the men's and women's team trio events, along with a bronze in the men's trio. The quad competition still awaits, promising more action and potential glory for Manipur.

What makes Manipur's success even more remarkable is the fact that these players had never trained on sand prior to the Games. "When we first played the first day at the Khelo India Beach Games, it was difficult for us but now it became comfortable. We are now confident that we can play in the beach as well as on court," Jaina added. She plays the 'Tekong' position, a pivotal role in the team responsible for serving the ball and setting the pace of the game.

Her adaptation from court to beach conditions in such a short span speaks volumes about the resilience and adaptability of the players from this region. This transition is no small feat, as playing on sand demands different techniques, agility, and stamina.

Assam’s Men’s Trio: Triumph Amidst Adversity

On the men's front, Assam's victory was equally inspiring. The team clinched a much-needed gold medal in sepak takraw, complementing their earlier bronze in the men's team trio event. Bidhumukhi Singha, the men's team coach, expressed immense pride in his squad despite the challenges they faced back home.

"We don't have proper beach or even indoor facilities in Assam and there is also intermittent rain all the time. Despite that, what we've achieved is just because of our hard work. We are proud of the kids and happy that I'm a coach of this team," said Bidhumukhi. Her words highlighted the hurdles that athletes from Assam overcome regularly-limited infrastructure and weather disruptions-but their spirit remained unbroken.

The coach also shed light on the new playing conditions at the Games. "Because of the continuous rain back in Assam, we don't get to practice so much. But we came here at the Khelo India Beach Games, played in this surface for the first time and that too without shoes, which we normally don't. I'm very proud that this gold came for Assam and the boys showcased their abilities," she added.

Bidhumukhi's dedication extends beyond the team, as she also serves as a senior coach at the Khelo India Centre (KIC) Hailakhandi, an institution focusing specifically on sepak takraw development in the region. Her role in nurturing talent amid constraints is a testament to the growing prominence of the sport in India's North-East.

Final Medal Tally in Sepak Takraw Trio Events

The Sepak Takraw trio event results at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 stood as a testament to the rising standards and competitive spirit in Indian beach sports:

Men’s Trio:

• Gold: Assam
• Silver: Delhi
• Bronze: Tamil Nadu, Manipur

Women’s Trio:

• Gold: Manipur
• Silver: Nagaland
• Bronze: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar

These results not only highlight the dominance of the North-East in sepak takraw but also the increasing reach of the sport across different states of India.

A Celebration of North-East Sporting Spirit and Rising Talent

The performances at KIBG 2025 serve as an encouraging sign for the future of sepak takraw in India. The sport, which blends elements of football, volleyball, and martial arts, has traditionally been dominated by South-East Asian countries. However, with states like Manipur and Assam making significant strides, India's presence on the global sepak takraw stage is set to strengthen.

Moreover, the Khelo India initiative, aimed at promoting sports among the youth, is proving to be a catalyst for unearthing hidden talents from remote corners of the country. The exposure to new playing conditions, such as beach courts, and competitive opportunities at national platforms are instrumental in shaping athletes' skills and confidence.