The 2024-25 Senior National Judo Championship in New Delhi was a thrilling display of athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship, with Olympian Tulika Mann emerging as one of the standout performers in the women’s +78 kg category.
Mann once again proved her prowess, adding another prestigious accolade to her already illustrious career.
Held from January 4 to 7, 2025, at the K.D. Jadhav Indoor Stadium, I.G. Stadium Complex in New Delhi, the championship saw some outstanding performances, with judokas from across the country competing for top honours.
Organized by the Judo Federation of India (JFI) in collaboration with the Delhi Judo Council, the event featured both men’s and women’s divisions.
Initially postponed due to the poor air quality in the capital city, the delay did little to dampen the enthusiasm.
The championship proceeded with unparalleled energy and intensity, captivating spectators and participants alike.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, Judo is a Japanese martial art that combines grappling, throws, and submissions.
It requires a unique blend of strength, technique, and strategy—all of which were showcased in abundance throughout the championship.
The opening ceremony was graced by Ms. Manisha Malhotra, President of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), and National Judo Head Coach Mr. Jiwan Kumar Sharma, who officially inaugurated the event.
IIS, India’s first privately funded high-performance training center for Olympic athletes, has played a key role in nurturing young judokas.
Since its inception in 2018, IIS has provided world class infrastructure and coaching, offering full scholarships to its athletes.
This year, the IIS Judokas made a significant impact, securing eight medals across various weight categories: three gold, two silver, and three bronze.
The CRPF Central Judo Team also made a strong showing, winning five medals, including two silver and three bronze. Their performance highlighted the growing strength of Judo in India.
Here is a list of the winners across the seven weight categories in both the men’s and women’s divisions:
Men’s Category:
Women’s Category:
For a detailed list of winners and results, visit onlinejfi.org.
As these athletes now turn their attention to the 38th National Games, their performances at the Senior National Judo Championship underscore the growing prominence of Judo in India.
With such promising talent on display, the future of the sport looks bright both domestically and internationally.
Based on the rankings from this championship, the JFI has selected the top 15 male and female athletes in each of the seven weight categories.
The selection of athletes for individual events, as well as for teams in the mixed-team events, will also be determined from these rankings.
These athletes will compete in the Judo events at the 38th National Games, scheduled to take place in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, from February 9 to 13, 2025.
National tournaments like the Senior National Judo Championship provide a vital platform for judokas to showcase their skills and gain recognition.
These championships not only help identify future champions but also serve as stepping stones to international competitions, including the World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. It will be interesting to see how these Judokas will perform at the national games
The continued development of athletes, coaches, and infrastructure in India is essential for Judo’s sustained success on the global stage.
Written by Rashi
