Imphal: Linthoi Chanambam, an 18-year-old judoka from Manipur, has become the first Indian to win gold at the prestigious Berlin Junior European Cup 2025. She triumphed in the -63kg category, marking a significant milestone in Indian judo. Linthoi’s victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication, having earlier won a world title in the -57kg class at the 2022 Cadet World Championships in Sarajevo.
Competing against 618 athletes from 37 countries, Linthoi delivered a standout performance for Team Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS). She overcame a series of tough international opponents, culminating in a victory over a top-seeded Polish judoka in the final bout. This landmark win has put Indian judo on the European stage, and Linthoi’s achievement is being hailed as a major breakthrough.
Linthoi’s success in Berlin adds to a growing list of accolades, including gold medals at the 2022 Asian Cadet and Junior Championships in Bangkok. She first rose to national prominence with titles at the 2018 Sub-Junior Nationals and the 2021 Senior Nationals in Chandigarh. Starting judo at the age of eight, Linthoi has trained at IIS since 2017 under Georgian coach Mamuka Kizilashvili.
Linthoi’s latest win not only cements her status as a top contender in international judo but also reinforces her path toward the 2028 Olympics — a goal now within striking distance. “This win means everything,” she said after the medal ceremony, acknowledging the crucial role of her coaches and family in her journey. With her sights set on future competitions, Linthoi is poised to continue making waves in the world of judo.
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