Linthoi Chanambam, an 18-year-old judoka from Manipur’s Mayang Imphal, has made history by becoming the first Indian to win gold at the Berlin Junior European Cup 2025. Competing in the -63kg category, she defeated Jaelynn Chipan of France in the final, marking a watershed moment for Indian judo on the European stage.
The event, held in June 2025, saw 618 athletes from 37 countries compete, with Linthoi’s win celebrated by her coaches, family, and Indian officials as a symbol of progress for niche sports in India.
A Landmark Achievement for Indian Judo
Linthoi Chanambam’s gold medal is not just a personal triumph but a milestone for Indian sport. The teenager, who trains at the Inspire Institute of Sport under Georgian coach Mamuka Kizilashvili, delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament. “This win means everything,” Linthoi said at the medal ceremony, crediting her coaches and family for their unwavering support.
Officials from the Inspire Institute of Sport and the Judo Federation of India hailed her victory as a breakthrough, noting its significance for the country’s growing presence in international judo. The win also signals Linthoi’s successful transition from her previous weight class of -57kg, where she won gold at the 2022 Cadet World Championships.
Rising from the Heartland to the Global Stage
Linthoi’s journey began at age eight in Manipur, and by 2017, she was training at the Inspire Institute of Sport. Her rise has been meteoric: she first made headlines with gold at the 2018 Sub-Junior Nationals and the 2021 Senior Nationals in Chandigarh, before securing double gold at the 2022 Asian Cadet and Junior Championships in Bangkok.
This latest achievement in Berlin adds to her growing list of accolades and positions her as a top contender for future international competitions, including the 2028 Olympics. Leishangthem Nungshithoi Chanu, another Manipuri judoka, also shone at the Berlin event, winning silver—highlighting the region’s emerging talent in the sport.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian celebrates Linthoi Chanambam’s historic win as a testament to perseverance, community support, and the power of dreams.
Her story exemplifies how nurturing young talent from diverse backgrounds can drive positive social change and foster national pride. It is a reminder that peace, dialogue, and empathy, values we champion, are at the heart of every sporting achievement.
