Guwahati, May 12: The northeastern states made their presence felt at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 as Nagaland and Assam secured gold medals in the girls’ and boys’ doubles Sepak Takraw events, respectively, defeating host state Bihar in back-to-back finals at the BSAP Indoor Hall.

In the girls’ doubles final, Nagaland’s Vikhosanu, Meyonu, and Thujono staged a remarkable comeback after losing the opening game and trailing 4-11 in the decider. The trio, trained at the Dimapur State Sports Academy, fought back to level at 13-13 before clinching the final two points and the gold.

“We didn’t expect the gold, but the girls remained calm and focused when it mattered most,” said Nagaland Chef-de-Mission Dziesebeinuo Vizo.

In the boys’ doubles final, Assam’s Aprince Sinha, M Abhijit, and H Manganthoiba overcame a spirited challenge from Bihar. After taking the first set 15-9 and losing the second, the Assam side edged out the hosts 17-15 in a tense deciding game. The trio hails from Manipuri families based in Hailakandi and Cachar districts.

With these victories, Nagaland and Assam denied Bihar a Sepak Takraw gold, as the host state settled for silver in both the boys’ and girls’ doubles finals.