A total of 472 judokas compete in the first Nagaland State Judo Championship 2026 in Mokokchung.
MOKOKCHUNG — A total of 472 judokas representing nine districts are competing in the first Nagaland State Judo Championship, organised by the Nagaland Judo Association (NJA) and underway at Eden Academy in Mokokchung.
The participating districts are Zunheboto, Phek, Kohima, Chümoukedima, Dimapur, Tuensang, Meluri, Mon, and Mokokchung. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma, who attended as the special guest, formally declared the championship open.
In his inaugural address, Verma described the event as a significant new beginning that offers young athletes a platform to showcase talent, discipline, and competitive spirit.
“This championship should be seen as the beginning of a journey rather than the conclusion of one,” he said, expressing hope that winners could one day represent Nagaland at the national level and India on the international stage.
Addressing the young competitors, Verma advised them to strive for excellence, test their limits, learn from stronger opponents, and improve daily. He stressed respect for rules, officials, and opponents, reminding them that an opponent is not an enemy but a partner in self-improvement.
Verma also spoke of Nagaland’s sporting potential and the need to nurture talent through sustained coaching, equipment, nutrition, and competition opportunities rather than isolated events.
Schools, he said, remain the foundation of a sporting culture and should prioritise early talent identification, regular physical activity, school-level competitions, and qualified coaching.
He expressed pride that Mokokchung is hosting the inaugural state championship and affirmed the district administration’s support for initiatives that promote youth development and constructive engagement.
He also urged the government, associations, schools, coaches, parents, and communities to work together so that the championship is remembered not only for its medal winners but also for the sporting culture and aspirations it inspires.
Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, S Supongmeren Jamir, also conveyed a message congratulating the NJA.
He noted the association’s progress since its formation on May 25, 2019, citing initiatives such as the 2023 all-women tournament in Mokokchung under the Khelo India Dus Ka Dum framework, supervision of Judo Federation of India selection trials, and the participation of young female judokas at the Kendriya Vidyalaya National Judo Championship in Agra.
He described the state championship as a testament to the NJA’s vision of building a structured and sustainable athletic pathway for youth across every district and wished the executive body, coaches, technical officials, and athletes a successful event marked by discipline and sportsmanship.
The three-day championship features boys’ and girls’ as well as men’s and women’s categories. Competitors will take part across 17 age groups, ranging from children aged six and above to the senior category, with six to seven weight categories in each group.