Mizo Paddler Lalrin Puia wins silver at US Open after 4 years in jail

Mizo table tennis player Lalrin Puia Lalchhuankima has made a remarkable comeback, winning a silver medal in the hardbat doubles category at the US Open Championships in Las Vegas.

The 26-year-old’s victory comes after spending four years in jail on drug charges, from which he was acquitted in 2022.

Lalrin was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) at Mumbai airport in December 2017 for allegedly carrying 3.9 kg of methaqualone, a banned psychotropic substance.

He maintained his innocence throughout, claiming he was framed by drug smugglers.

A special court acquitted him after discrepancies in the evidence cast doubt on the case, including conflicting flight numbers and baggage ownership details.

Despite losing critical years of his career, Lalrin did not give up on his passion for table tennis.

While in prison, he used makeshift equipment to stay fit.

Upon his release, he resumed training and joined the India Community Centre in Milpitas, California, earlier this year.

Partnering with Ishaan Hingorani, Lalrin reached the finals of the US Open hardbat doubles event before settling for silver.

“I am overjoyed,” Lalrin said after his win. “It’s been a difficult journey, but I never stopped believing in myself.”

Lalrin’s rise began early. Encouraged by his father, a district-level table tennis player, he won several accolades, including the youth boys’ title at the 2015 National Championships in Dharamshala.

The Mizoram Table Tennis Association, which supported Lalrin through his legal ordeal, expressed pride in his achievement. “We always believed in his talent and determination,” said senior vice president Lalhmingliana Colney to Hindustan Times.