Arunachal Pradesh celebrated a proud sporting moment as two of its junior athletes secured bronze medals at the prestigious East Zone Junior Athletics Championship 2025 held in Guwahati, Assam. The event, which concluded on September 23, witnessed participation from over 600 athletes across seven eastern states, showcasing the next generation of Indian track and field talent.
Representing Arunachal Pradesh with grit and determination, sprinter Tani Riba and long jumper Nyato Tekseng earned bronze in their respective categories, bringing recognition to the state’s growing athletics ecosystem. Their performances were hailed by coaches, sports officials, and local communities, who see this as a breakthrough for the region’s youth in national-level competition.
Arunachal Athletes – Medal Performance Overview
| Athlete Name | Event | Medal Won | Timing / Distance | Age Category | District Represented |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tani Riba | 200m Sprint (Girls) | Bronze | 26.84 seconds | U-18 | Lower Subansiri |
| Nyato Tekseng | Long Jump (Boys) | Bronze | 6.42 meters | U-20 | East Siang |
Tani Riba, a 17-year-old student from Ziro, stunned spectators with her explosive finish in the 200m sprint, edging past competitors from West Bengal and Odisha to claim third place. Her coach, Tadar Tani, praised her discipline and training ethic, noting that she had improved her personal best by nearly half a second in the last three months.
Nyato Tekseng, 19, from Pasighat, impressed in the long jump pit with a clean 6.42-meter leap, securing bronze behind athletes from Jharkhand and Assam. Known for his agility and technique, Nyato has been training under the Sports Authority of Arunachal’s regional program and is expected to qualify for the upcoming National Junior Athletics Meet.
East Zone Junior Athletics Championship – Medal Tally Snapshot
| State | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total Medals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | 18 | 14 | 11 | 43 |
| Odisha | 15 | 12 | 10 | 37 |
| Assam | 12 | 10 | 9 | 31 |
| Jharkhand | 9 | 8 | 7 | 24 |
| Bihar | 6 | 5 | 4 | 15 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Sikkim | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
While Arunachal’s overall medal count remained modest, the bronze wins have sparked optimism among sports officials and youth development bodies. The Directorate of Sports, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, issued a congratulatory note, stating that the athletes’ success reflects the state’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent.
Sports Minister Mama Natung lauded the medalists, saying, “Tani and Nyato have made Arunachal proud. Their achievements are a testament to the resilience and potential of our youth. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, coaching, and exposure to ensure more podium finishes in the future.”
Arunachal’s Athletics Development – Key Initiatives
| Program / Scheme | Launched Year | Focus Area | Impact on Junior Athletes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Olympic Arunachal | 2022 | Talent scouting, elite training | 300+ athletes enrolled statewide |
| Khelo India Youth Camps | Ongoing | Multi-sport training | 40 athletes selected annually |
| Sports Infrastructure Grants | 2023 | Stadiums, tracks, equipment | 12 districts covered |
| Tribal Youth Sports Outreach | 2024 | Remote area inclusion | 500+ youth engaged |
The East Zone Junior Athletics Championship is a critical stepping stone for young athletes aiming to qualify for national and international meets. Organized under the aegis of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the event provides exposure, benchmarking, and scouting opportunities for promising talent.
This year’s championship featured 42 events across sprint, middle-distance, jumps, throws, and relays. The competition was fierce, with several national records being challenged and new personal bests recorded across categories.
Event Highlights – East Zone Junior Athletics 2025
| Event Category | Notable Performance | Record / Benchmark | Athlete / State |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-18 Boys 100m | 10.72 seconds | Near national junior record | Abhishek Das (West Bengal) |
| U-20 Girls Shot Put | 14.38 meters | Championship record | Priya Sahu (Odisha) |
| U-18 Boys 800m | 1:54.21 | Personal best | Ranjan Kumar (Bihar) |
| U-20 Girls Long Jump | 6.01 meters | Season best | Ananya Roy (Assam) |
The success of Tani and Nyato has also inspired a wave of enthusiasm in their hometowns, with local schools and youth clubs organizing felicitation events. Parents, teachers, and community leaders have expressed pride and pledged support for their future training and education.
Social media platforms in Arunachal lit up with congratulatory messages, with hashtags like #ArunachalAthletics, #EastZoneChampionship, and #BronzePride trending across regional networks. The athletes themselves shared emotional posts thanking their coaches, families, and supporters.
Public Sentiment – Arunachal’s Bronze Medal Wins
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 120K mentions | 92% celebratory | #ArunachalAthletics #BronzePride |
| 98K interactions | 89% supportive | #EastZoneChampionship #YouthPower | |
| 86K views | 91% inspirational | #TaniRiba #NyatoTekseng | |
| YouTube | 74K views | 88% positive | #Athletics2025 #ArunachalRising |
As Arunachal Pradesh continues to build its sporting identity, the bronze medals at the East Zone Junior Athletics Championship serve as a beacon of hope and motivation. With sustained investment, mentorship, and exposure, the state’s young athletes are poised to make their mark on the national stage.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports results, athlete interviews, and verified championship data. It does not constitute official endorsement or selection advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
