Linthoi Chanambam: India’s First Junior World Judo Medalist Who Fought Her Way into History

At just 19 years old, Linthoi Chanambam has made her name in the golden pages of Indian sporting history. The young judoka from Mayang Imphal, Manipur, became the first-ever Indian athlete to win a medal at the Junior World Judo Championships, clinching bronze in the women’s -63 kg category at the 2025 edition held in Lima, Peru. This victory is not just a personal win; it is a historic breakthrough for Indian judo, a sport that has long remained in the shadows of India’s mainstream sporting narrative. Linthoi’s success has lit a torch of belief for hundreds of aspiring judokas across the nation, proving that world-class excellence is within reach when dedication meets opportunity.From a Village Mat to the World StageLinthoi’s journey began in the quiet town of Mayang Imphal, where she was introduced to judo at the tender age of eight. What started as a playful curiosity soon transformed into a fierce passion. Her parents, recognizing her talent, supported her decision to pursue the sport seriously—a choice that would one day make her a national icon. She trained rigorously at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Bellary, Karnataka, a premier facility that nurtures some of India’s brightest athletes. Under the guidance of her Georgian coach, Mamuka Kizilashvili, Linthoi honed her skills, learning the intricate balance between technique and temperament that defines elite-level judo.Rising After the FallLinthoi’s path to glory wasn’t smooth. In 2023, she suffered a torn ACL on her left knee, an injury that could have derailed her career. Months of rehabilitation followed a period filled with pain, uncertainty, and patience. But Linthoi refused to give up. Her patience shone through as she rebuilt her strength, determined to return stronger than ever. That comeback culminated in her brilliant run at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Lima. After an early loss to Japan’s So Morichika, the eventual gold medalist Linthoi fought her way back through the repechage bracket. Displaying tactical intelligence and fearless aggression, she dominated her opponents en route to the bronze medal match.A Fight That Defined a Nation’s PrideIn the bronze medal bout, Linthoi faced Joni Geilen of the Netherlands. The contest began with Linthoi receiving an early penalty for blocking a tense moment that could have rattled any young athlete. But instead of losing focus, she turned the pressure into power. With a perfectly timed tomoe-nage (stomach throw), she threw Geilen off balance and followed it up with a decisive hold-down (osaekomi) to secure an ippon, the highest score in judo, ending the match. The moment the referee raised his hand, declaring her the winner, Linthoi broke into tears. It wasn’t just victory; it was revenge. For the years of hard work, for the pain of recovery, and for the faith she and her coach had carried all along.Dedication Beyond the MatSoon after her win, Linthoi took to social media to dedicate the medal to her coach, writing , “I dedicate this medal to my best coach, Mamuka Kizilashvili. We cried, we suffered, we failed, but you were always there with me. You deserve this medal more than I do. You always make me feel like I’m the best.” Her words reflected the deep human bond between athlete and mentor, one built not just on discipline, but on mutual respect and emotional connection. For Mamuka, who has been with her since her formative years, the moment was as much his as it was hers. This bronze medal adds another jewel to Linthoi’s growing crown. She was already India’s first-ever Judo World Champion after winning gold at the 2022 Cadet World Championships in Sarajevo. Earlier in June 2025, she became the first Indian judoka to win gold at the Berlin Junior European Cup, further establishing her as a force in global judo. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, President Droupadi Murmu conferred upon her the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, recognizing her extraordinary contribution to Indian sport.A Symbol of Hope and InspirationFor a young athlete from a small town to conquer the world stage is more than a sporting achievement; it’s a story of belief. Linthoi’s success underscores the importance of infrastructure, mentorship, and emotional strength in shaping champions. Indeed, it is. Linthoi Chanambam’s bronze in Lima is more than a medal—it is a message. A message to every young girl who dreams of greatness, to every athlete who faces setbacks, and to every corner of India waiting for its turn to shine. In Linthoi’s triumph, India finds more than a champion; it finds courage, conviction, and the promise of a brighter future for Indian judo.

Golden Girl of Judo : Linthoi Chanambam Becomes First Indian to Win Gold at European Judo Cup

In a story that echoes hope, discipline, and the quiet revolution brewing in India's sporting heartlands, 18-year-old Linthoi Chanambam from Mayang Imphal, Manipur, carved her name into history. With fierce determination and flawless technique, she became the first Indian judoka to win gold at the Berlin Junior European Judo Cup 2025, triumphing in the -63kg category. Her final victory against France’s Jaelynn Chipan was more than just a match; it was a moment of reckoning for Indian judo and for a nation learning to dream bigger in lesser-known sports.From Manipur to Berlin: The Making of a ChampionLinthoi's journey began at the tender age of eight in the culturally rich but often overlooked region of Mayang Imphal in Manipur. By 2017, her raw talent and iron will had caught the attention of scouts from the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), a cutting-edge training facility that would soon become her second home. Under the mentorship of Georgian coach Mamuka Kizilashvili, Linthoi honed her craft with an unmatched work ethic. Her steady rise from national sub-junior gold in 2018 to senior national gold in 2021, and then double gold at the 2022 Asian Cadet and Junior Championships in Bangkok—speaks volumes of her consistency and resilience. Linthoi’s shift to the -63kg weight class turned out to be a smart move. After winning the 2022 Cadet World Championship in the -57kg category, her success in the new category shows how well she can adapt and how determined she is to succeed at the global level.The Berlin Breakthrough: Redefining India’s Judo Narrative The Berlin Junior European Judo Cup brought together 618 athletes from 37 countries, representing the very best in emerging judo talent. Linthoi stood out not only for her powerful throws and technical clarity but also for her mental composure, a trait rarely seen in athletes so young. In a stunning campaign, she overcame a series of top-seeded European opponents. Her decisive victory resonated not just with her coaches and supporters but with the wider Indian sports community.“This win means everything,” Behind Linthoi’s golden moment lies a story of personal sacrifice, family support, and the transformative power of sport. Raised in a modest household in Manipur—an area often in the headlines for socio-political unrest—Linthoi represents more than just sporting excellence. She symbolizes hope, a new narrative, and the result of persistent effort in the face of adversity.What is Judo?Judo is a modern martial art and Olympic sport that originated in Japan in 1882, founded by Jigoro Kano. The word “judo” means “the gentle way,” and it focuses on using technique, balance, and leverage rather than strength. Unlike martial arts that involve striking, judo emphasizes throws, pins, and submission techniques like joint locks and strangles (for older age groups). The main goal in a judo match is to throw your opponent cleanly onto their back, hold them down for 20 seconds, or make them submit. A perfect throw or a successful hold-down earns an ippon, which ends the match instantly. A waza-ari (half point) is given for a near-perfect move, and two waza-aris equal one ippon. Matches typically last four minutes, and if there's no winner by then, they go into overtime (golden score). Penalties called shido are given for breaking rules, being passive, or avoiding the fight; three shidos mean disqualification. Judo players wear a white or blue judogi (uniform), and the color of their belt shows their skill level. It is a sport of discipline, respect, and mental strength, teaching athletes how to use an opponent’s energy to their advantage.Impact on Indian Judo and Olympic DreamsThe Judo Federation of India and officials at Inspire Institute of Sport have hailed Linthoi’s gold medal as a watershed moment for Indian judo. With international medals traditionally elusive, especially at prestigious European competitions, her performance may trigger increased funding, visibility, and participation in the sport. Her win also positions her as a strong medal prospect for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. With three more years to evolve, she is expected to climb higher in global rankings, bringing with her the aspirations of a nation hungry for success beyond cricket.A Name That Will Resonate for YearsLinthoi Chanambam’s historic win at the Berlin Junior European Cup 2025 will not fade as just another medal. This is just the beginning of a big change—a ray of hope for athletes from lesser-known places and sports. With her eyes on the Olympics and the whole country cheering for her, Linthoi has already made her mark in Indian sports history.