Imphal, June 24: India’s Linthoi Chanambam made history at the Berlin Junior European Cup 2025, becoming the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the prestigious tournament. The 18-year-old from Mayang Imphal, Manipur, claimed the top podium finish in the -63kg weight category.
Linthoi, representing the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), stood out among a field of 618 athletes from 37 countries. In the final, she defeated Chipan Jaelynn of France, delivering a commanding performance that marked a breakthrough moment for Indian judo at the European level.
“This win means everything,” Linthoi said after the medal ceremony. She credited her coaches and family for their continued support throughout her journey.
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Linthoi has been training at IIS since 2017 under Georgian coach Mamuka Kizilashvili, after beginning her judo career at just eight years old. Her victory in Berlin marks her shift to the -63kg class, following her earlier success in the -57kg category at the 2022 Cadet World Championships in Sarajevo, where she won gold.
In addition to her world title, Linthoi has secured double gold medals at the 2022 Asian Cadet and Junior Championships in Bangkok. She first made headlines on the national stage with gold at the 2018 Sub-Junior Nationals and the 2021 Senior Nationals in Chandigarh.
Linthoi’s achievement in Berlin adds another milestone to her growing list of accolades and further strengthens her presence on the global judo circuit.