On 4 November 2026, Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu made history at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games by clinching a bronze medal in the women’s Changquan combined wushu event. The achievement marks India’s inaugural podium finish in wushu at the Youth Olympics, adding a new discipline to the nation’s growing multi‑sport success. The competition took place in the dedicated wushu arena, where athletes performed a series of routines judged on precision and expression.
Chanu’s performance earned her a score of 18.039 points, a figure that placed her third among a field of the world’s top junior wushu practitioners. The Changquan combined event tests athletes across multiple routines, including bare‑hand forms and weapon sequences, demanding both technical skill and artistic flair. Her score reflected a blend of speed, power and fluidity that impressed the panel of international judges.
The bronze medal not only represents a personal triumph for Chanu but also elevates India’s overall Youth Olympic medal count to three. Prior to her success, the Indian contingent had secured a silver medal in judo and a bronze in swimming, signalling a diversified medal spread across combat, aquatic and now martial arts disciplines.
India’s wushu programme, still in its developmental stages, has benefited from increased investment and exposure in recent years. The historic medal underscores the effectiveness of grassroots training initiatives and the dedication of coaches who have nurtured talent in regions where the sport previously received limited attention.
The Youth Olympic Games, held every four years, serve as a platform for emerging athletes to gain international experience. Chanu’s podium finish highlights the potential of Indian youth to compete at the highest levels across a broad spectrum of sports, reinforcing the country’s commitment to nurturing future Olympians.
Officials from the Indian Olympic Association praised Chanu’s composure under pressure, noting that her achievement could inspire a new generation of wushu enthusiasts. The medal is expected to boost the sport’s visibility domestically, encouraging schools and sports academies to incorporate wushu into their curricula.
Looking ahead, the Indian contingent will focus on upcoming junior world championships and senior qualification events, aiming to build on the momentum generated in Dakar. Continued support from national sporting bodies and sponsors will be crucial as athletes like Chanu transition from youth to senior competition, with hopes of securing medals at future Olympic Games.
