In a bid to enhance their performance on the global stage, particularly with the Asian Games and other major international competitions in sight, a group of Indian judokas are set to undergo intensive high-performance training in Georgia. This initiative reflects a focused effort to provide promising athletes with the resources and environment necessary to excel in Judo.
The Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) has stationed eight young judokas, a mix of boys and girls primarily in the 18-20 age group, in Akhmeta, Georgia, for long-term high performance training under head coach Mamuka Kizilashvili. The primary goal is to accelerate their development, enabling them to compete effectively in prestigious events such as the Asian Games and the Olympics. The selected judokas include Leishangthem Chanu, Linthoi Chanambam, Ishroop Narang, Yamini Mourya, Aditya Solanki, Arun Kumar, Sidharth Rawat, and Ningthoujam Sheetal Singh.
This long-term training program in Georgia offers several key advantages. The judokas will have access to a diverse pool of training partners and opponents through regular club competitions. They will also have opportunities to participate in international events, gaining crucial experience on the global stage. Manisha Malhotra, president of IIS, emphasized the organization's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the tools and environment needed to succeed internationally. She noted that most of these judokas have progressed through the IIS grassroots program, and this exposure aims to transform them into high-level competitors.
Georgia has a strong tradition in judo, consistently producing world champions and Olympic medalists. The training environment in Georgia is expected to help the Indian judokas refine their technical and tactical skills, while also building the physical and mental resilience required for high-level competition.
Earlier in 2025, Lasha Shavdatuashvili, a three-time Olympic medalist and London Games champion from Georgia, visited the IIS in Vijayanagar as part of the Excellence Accelerator Programme. This initiative allowed the judokas to interact with, train under, and learn from world and Olympic champions.
IIS has been consistently investing in the development of judokas. In the past year, the athletes have participated in four international competitions held in Georgia, Turkey, Austria, and Germany. The Judo Federation of India (JFI) is also focused on long-term development, with an eye on the Asian and Commonwealth Games 2026, as well as the 2028 and 2032 Olympics. The JFI aims to promote transparency, fairness, and excellence in the sport, aligning with the long-term vision for success.
Recognizing the importance of international exposure, the JFI ensures that young judokas have opportunities to compete and train abroad. This exposure is seen as crucial in preparing future senior athletes for success on the world stage. To improve India's standing in Judo, more tournaments and competitions are needed, especially for young athletes.
In addition to the initiatives by IIS and JFI, individual athletes have overcome significant challenges to pursue their Judo dreams. Ranjita Koreti, a 16-year-old national judo player, was selected for an international exposure program in Georgia after facing a difficult childhood. Her selection highlights the opportunities available to talented athletes through the support of organizations like the Judo Federation of India and the Sports Authority of India.
