Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu Wins India's First Youth Olympic Wushu Medal

On 3 November 2026, 15-year-old Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu of Manipur won bronze in the women's Changquan combined event at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, securing India's first-ever wushu medal at the event.

Changquan Combined Event

Chanu scored 18.039 points, comprising 8.723 in Gunshu and 9.316 in Changquan. Egypt's Sondos Sonbol won gold with 18.660 points, while Venezuela's Valeria Frannerys Dudamel Alvarado took silver with 18.199. Wushu made its debut as a medal sport at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which are being held in Dakar—the first time the event has taken place in Africa.

India's Medal Tally

Chanu's bronze was India's third medal at the Dakar Youth Olympics, alongside Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada's silver in judo and Dhinidhi Desinghu's bronze in swimming. Chanu had previously won bronze in the girls' youth Changquan event at the 2026 World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China.

Important Facts for Exams

• Wushu competition disciplines: Competitive wushu has two principal disciplines: taolu, judged routines using empty-hand or weapons forms, and sanda, a full-contact combat sport.
• Gunshu judging distinction: Gunshu is a taolu routine using the staff; unlike sanda bouts, its result comes from judges’ technical and performance scores rather than points scored against an opponent.
• YOG mixed-NOC format: Youth Olympic Games have included selected mixed-NOC events, pairing athletes from different National Olympic Committees in the same competition.