Linthoi Chanambam from Manipur secures a gold medal at the Berlin Junior European Cup 2025.

Linthoi Chanambam, hailing from Manipur, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian judoka to clinch a gold medal at the Berlin Junior European Cup 2025. The 18-year-old sportswoman from Manipur attained the highest podium position in the women’s 63kg division, representing the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS).

The event in Berlin showcased 618 athletes hailing from 37 different countries, establishing it as one of the most competitive junior judo tournaments across Europe. Linthoi triumphed over numerous international competitors, ultimately securing a victory against a highly-ranked Polish judoka in the final match. This gold medal signifies a major advancement in Linthoi’s career. She had previously claimed the Cadet World Championship title in the -57kg category in Sarajevo in 2022. Her successful shift to the -63kg category illustrates her growth as a top-tier judoka. “This victory means everything to me,” Linthoi stated following the medal ceremony, expressing her gratitude for the vital support she received from her coaches and family throughout her journey.

Linthoi’s recent victory contributes to her collection of international accolades, which encompasses a gold medal from the 2022 Asian Cadet and Junior Championships held in Bangkok, titles from the 2018 Sub-Junior Nationals, and a triumph at the 2021 Senior Nationals in Chandigarh. Since 2017, she has been training at the Inspire Institute of Sport under the mentorship of Georgian coach Mamuka Kizilashvili. Importantly, Linthoi commenced her judo training at the age of eight in Mayang Imphal, Manipur. Her experience at IIS has been instrumental in her international achievements, establishing her as one of India’s foremost talents in the sport. This achievement at the Berlin Junior European Cup bolsters her reputation within the global judo community and aligns with her long-term aspiration of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics.