Manipur’s Khunaijam Holendro Singh Wins Gold at ISTAF World Cup 2025
Summary
On August 8, 2025, Rifleman Khunaijam Holendro Singh of the 7th Manipur Rifles was honored by Manipur’s Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, for his stellar performance at the 2025 ISTAF World Cup held in Patna from March 20–25, 2025. As a key member of the Indian Sepak Takraw squad, Singh helped secure the gold medal in the men’s team regu event. He also contributed to India’s bronze medals at the 2025 Asian Cup in Kuala Lumpur and the 2025 King’s Cup in Thailand
Beyond Gold: Singh’s Stellar Bronze Runs
Holendro Singh’s 2025 season was packed:
- Asian Cup 2025 (Kuala Lumpur): Part of the men’s doubles squad that clinched bronze at the ASTAF Sepak Takraw Asia Cup, India’s first podium in that tournament
- King’s Cup 2025 (Thailand): Contributed to India’s bronze finish at this prestigious annual championship honoring Thailand’s monarch
Combining those bronzes with his World Cup gold, Singh boasts a gold–bronze–bronze hat-trick in three of the sport’s biggest events in a single year—an unprecedented haul for any Indian athlete.
From Trenches to Triumph: The Soldier-Athlete Journey
What makes Holendro’s story even richer is his dual life as a Rifleman in the 7th Manipur Rifles. Enlisting in the Indian Army taught him discipline, resilience, and teamwork—traits that translate seamlessly onto the Sepak Takraw court. Early morning drills in camouflage fatigues, followed by evening training sessions dribbling a rattan ball against boundary walls, forged his uncanny foot-eye coordination.
DGP Rajiv Singh noted this military rigor at the felicitation: “Your dedication and perseverance reflect not just on you, but on the Manipur Police and the entire state. You embody service and sporting excellence in one extraordinary individual.”
Felicitation Ceremony: Pride in Blue and Khaki
On August 8, the DGP’s office in Imphal transformed into a mini sports awards arena. Khunaijam Holendro Singh stood at attention as Rajiv Singh pinned a shawl of honor on his shoulders. Local dignitaries, fellow officers, and members of the All Manipur Sepaktakraw Association (AMSTA) applauded in unison. It was more than ceremony—it was recognition that sports heroes can also be civic heroes, breaking stereotypes and inspiring youth toward lawful pursuits.
A Legacy Kicked into Motion
From Patna’s roaring stadium to Imphal’s proud police headquarters, Khunaijam Holendro Singh’s gold-medal kick has reverberated across India. It’s proof that talent can sprout from any corner, provided there’s passion, support, and discipline. As you read this, somewhere in Manipur a child is practicing serves on a dusty court, dreaming of that world-stage moment. And that—perhaps even more than the gold itself—is Singh’s greatest gift to his state and his sport.
FAQs
1. Who is Khunaijam Holendro Singh and which unit does he represent?
Rifleman Khunaijam Holendro Singh serves in the 7th Manipur Rifles and is a key player for the Indian Sepak Takraw team
2. What is Sepak Takraw and where did it originate?
Sepak Takraw, also called “kick volleyball,” originated in Southeast Asia. Players volley a rattan ball over a net using feet, knees, chest, and head, but not hands
3. When and where was the 2025 ISTAF World Cup held?
The 5th ISTAF World Cup took place from March 20–25, 2025, at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Bihar’s capital, Patna
4. Apart from the World Cup gold, what other medals did Singh win in 2025?
Singh helped India clinch bronze medals at the ASTAF Sepak Takraw Asia Cup 2025 in Kuala Lumpur and the King’s Cup 2025 in Thailand
5. How is Sepak Takraw growing in India, especially in the Northeast?
The sport is gaining traction via school programs, regional tournaments, and media coverage. States like Manipur have become hotspots, producing national-level athletes through grassroots efforts by organizations such as the All Manipur Sepaktakraw Association
