The 38th National Games, set in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, is a highly anticipated 18-day national sporting extravaganza. Judo at National Games 2025 is a much anticipated sport.
Featuring the participation of around 10,000 athletes and officials from 38 teams, the Games promise to be an exciting celebration of athletic excellence.
Among the many sports, judo stands out as a key discipline, with some of India’s top judokas ready to fight for glory.
The Games are being hosted across seven cities in Uttarakhand, with Dehradun as the main venue. Other venues include Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Shivpuri, and New Tehri.
The opening ceremony on January 28 saw Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji declare the Games officially open at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun.
Himanshi Tokas: A Rising Star
One of the most exciting names in judo this year is Himanshi Tokas. A rising star in the sport, Tokas recently broke into the junior world’s top five rankings.
She’s been making waves in the international judo community, especially after her impressive victories at the African Cup in Casablanca.
Representing Madhya Pradesh and backed by the Reliance Foundation, Tokas will compete in the -63 kg category, and fans are eagerly anticipating her performance.
Preparation and Selection
In the lead-up to the Games, judo athletes across India have been training rigorously, refining their techniques and strategies for what is expected to be a fiercely contested competition.
The Senior National Judo Championships 2024-25, held in New Delhi in early January, served as the selection platform for the 38th National Games. After the championships, the Judo Federation of India (JFI) selected the top 15 athletes from each of the 7 men’s and 7 women’s weight categories to represent their states at the Games.
These athletes will compete from February 9 to 13, 2025, at the Old Multipurpose Hall, Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun.
Regional Teams and Rising Talent
The judo events will feature some exciting regional teams, each boasting a mix of experienced athletes and emerging talent.
One such team is the Manipur Judo contingent, which will be sending 20 athletes (13 women and 7 men) to the Games.
The team, which has been training at the MJA Hall in Imphal since mid-January, includes standout athletes like A Kirankumar (Men’s -60 kg), Laishram Monalish (Women’s -48 kg), and L Nganthoi (Women’s -52 kg).
Manipur’s rich judo culture and tradition have produced countless exceptional athletes, and this team is determined to make its mark at the National Games.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Judo team is also preparing diligently for the competition. With athletes like AswathyPR, Sujith SS, and Rhushik NJ, the team is eager to showcase its talent and compete for top honors.
Their commitment and hard work in the lead-up to the Games are setting them up for a strong showing in Dehradun.
The Rise of Young Stars: Tiana Das
The 38th National Games will also shine a spotlight on young judo stars like Tiana Das from Maharashtra.
Tiana impressed everyone with her performance at the Senior National Judo Championships, where she reached the quarterfinals in a tough field, earning a well-deserved spot at the National Games.
Her resilience, determination, and competitive spirit make her a promising athlete to watch in the judo events.
For a full list of qualified judokas, visit here.
What to Expect at the 38th National Games
The judo events at the 38th National Games are set to deliver thrilling, high-intensity action. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming judokas, the competition promises to be a celebration of skill, talent, and sportsmanship.
As the Games unfold, it’s clear that the future of Indian judo is shining brighter than ever.
As these dedicated athletes prepare to take centerstage in Dehradun from February 9 to 13, 2025, their performances will be a testament to their hard work, dedication, and love for the sport.
The stage is set for a dramatic display of strength, strategy, and skill that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Catch the Action Live
Don’t miss the action! The live stream of the National Games 2025 will be available on the Prasar BharatiSports YouTube channel in India. You can also watch the live telecast of the Games on DD Sports TV.
