Ningombam Henary, Mahaila Malangmei Claim Singles Titles at Thongam Ibetombi Devi Memorial Badminton Championships
Imphal, June 25, 2026 — Ningombam Henary and Mahaila Malangmei secured the men’s and women’s singles titles at the 3rd edition of the Thongam Ibetombi Devi Memorial Non State Players’ Badminton Championships, held at the Manipur State Sports Complex. The event, organized by the Manipur State Badminton Association, drew over 200 participants from across the northeastern Indian state, according to tournament officials.
Henary, 24, defeated local favorite Thangjam Sanajaoba 21-18, 21-15 in the men’s final, while Malangmei, 22, outlasted Pukhri Devi 21-14, 21-12 in the women’s championship match. Both victories marked significant milestones for the athletes, who had previously competed in regional qualifiers but had not yet claimed a major title.
“This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players,” said Manipur Badminton Association secretary Sanjay Singh. “The tournament provides a platform for non-state players to showcase their talent and gain exposure.”
Key Moments and Standout Performances
The men’s final was a tightly contested affair, with Henary overcoming a first-game deficit to clinch the match. Sanajaoba, a former state champion, had taken an early lead, but Henary’s consistent net play and aggressive smashes shifted momentum in the second game. Henary’s victory extended his unbeaten streak in state-level competitions to 12 matches.
In the women’s final, Malangmei demonstrated composure under pressure. Devi, a seasoned player from Imphal, had won the 2024 edition of the tournament, but Malangmei’s rapid footwork and strategic shot placement proved decisive. Malangmei’s win also marked the first time a player from the Churachandpur district has claimed the women’s title.
Both champions received trophies and cash prizes of ₹50,000 (approximately $600) from the Manipur government, as part of a sponsorship agreement announced earlier this year. The tournament also featured a $2,000 prize pool for the doubles events, though results for those matches were not immediately available.
Why This Matters: A Platform for Regional Talent
The Thongam Ibetombi Devi Memorial Championships, established in 2022, has become a critical event for badminton players outside the formal state and national teams. Unlike the All India Badminton Association (AIBA) tournaments, which require players to be registered with state federations, this event is open to “non-state” players—those without formal affiliations or sponsorships.
“This tournament fills a gap in the badminton ecosystem,” said AIBA coach Ravi Kumar. “It gives players from smaller towns and underrepresented regions a chance to compete at a high level without the barriers of registration fees or bureaucratic hurdles.”
The event’s name honors Thongam Ibetombi, a former Manipur state player who died in a 2021 accident. Her family has been instrumental in funding the tournament, which includes a youth development camp and training workshops for coaches.
What’s Next for the Champions?
Henary and Malangmei are expected to compete in the 2026 North East Regional Badminton Championships, scheduled for October in Shillong. Both players have also been invited to attend a training camp in Bhubaneswar, organized by the All India Badminton Association, though the dates are pending confirmation.
The Manipur Badminton Association has announced plans to expand the tournament in 2027, including a mixed doubles category and a youth division. “We aim to make this event a
