Imphal: In a proud moment for Indian judo and the state of Manipur, two young judokas have made a significant mark at the Berlin Junior European Cup 2025, held in Berlin, Germany from June 21 to June 22.
Linthoi Chanambam, the 18-year-old judo sensation from Manipur, created history by becoming the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at this prestigious European tournament. Competing in the -63kg category, Linthoi showcased an extraordinary performance, defeating Jaelynn Chipan of France in the final. This gold adds to her growing list of accolades, including her earlier world title in the -57kg class at the 2022 Cadet World Championships in Sarajevo.
Representing the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Linthoi emerged victorious among 618 participants from 37 countries, taking down several top-seeded international opponents, including a highly-ranked Polish judoka in the semifinals.
In another proud achievement for Manipur, Leishangthem Nungshithoi Chanu clinched the silver medal in the 52kg category. Her remarkable journey through the tournament reflects her resilience, skill, and unwavering spirit on the mat.
The Government of Manipur (GoM) congratulated both athletes, especially praising Nungshithoi Chanu for her outstanding silver-winning performance. In a social media post, GoM stated:
> “Your remarkable performance on the international stage has made the State and the Nation proud. Your dedication, discipline, and fighting spirit continue to inspire the youth of Manipur to aim higher and dream bigger.”
With these stellar performances, both Linthoi and Nungshithoi have further cemented Manipur’s reputation as a powerhouse of talent in Indian judo and sports as a whole.
