Linthoi Chanambam, the 19-year-old judoka from Manipur, India, is carving her name in the annals of Indian sports with her fearless spirit and unwavering determination. Her journey, marked by historic achievements, reflects not only her personal dedication but also the burgeoning potential of Indian judo on the global stage.
Chanambam's recent bronze medal win at the Judo Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru, marks a significant milestone. She is the first-ever Indian athlete to achieve this feat at the junior world championships. Competing in the women's -63 kg category, she demonstrated resilience and skill, overcoming setbacks to secure her place on the podium. After an initial defeat to Japan's So Morichika, who eventually won gold, Chanambam navigated the repechage, showcasing her mental fortitude and technical prowess. In the bronze medal contest, she faced Joni Geilen of the Netherlands. Despite an early penalty, Chanambam maintained her attacking intent, seizing control in the final seconds to win with an ippon, securing the historic victory for India.
This victory is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of Chanambam's impressive career trajectory. In June 2025, she made history as the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the Berlin Junior European Cup. Competing in the -63kg category, she defeated Jaelynn Chipan of France in the final. In 2022, she won a gold medal at the World Judo Cadets Championships in Sarajevo. These accomplishments underscore her consistent performance and her ability to compete at the highest levels.
Chanambam's journey began at the age of eight in her hometown of Mayang Imphal, Manipur. Recognizing her potential, she began training at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Karnataka in 2017. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2024 by the President of India.
Linthoi Chanambam's success serves as an inspiration for young athletes across India. Her story demonstrates that with passion, resilience, and opportunity, dreams can be realized on the world stage. As Chanambam herself stated, "This is just the beginning," reflecting her ambition and the promising future of Indian judo.
