1st Nagaland Judo C’ship gets underway at Mkg

MOKOKCHUNG, SEP, 10 (NPN): The 1st Nagaland State Judo Championship 2026 got underway at Eden Academy, Mokokchung, on Thursday. Organised by the Nagaland Judo Association (NJA), headquartered in Mokokchung, the championship is being held under the theme “United by Judo – Driven by Excellence.”
The inaugural programme was attended by Mokokchung deputy commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma as the special guest. Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir, who was scheduled to attend as the guest of honour, could not attend the programme. His message was read out by his representative.
In his message, Jamir congratulated the NJA on organising the inaugural state-level championship and described the event as a landmark initiative towards building a structured and sustainable sporting pathway for youth across the districts. He extended his best wishes to the participants, organisers and officials, wishing them a competitive championship marked by discipline, sportsmanship and excellence.
Addressing the gathering, Verma welcomed the participating athletes, coaches, officials and guests from across Nagaland. He congratulated the NJA and organising committee for taking the initiative to organise the first state-level judo championship in the state.
The DC said the championship marked a new beginning for judo in Nagaland and provided young athletes with a platform to showcase their talent, discipline and competitive spirit. He emphasised that the significance of the championship extended beyond the medals, noting that judo was a sport built on discipline, technique, balance, concentration, respect and self-control.
He said the sport teaches athletes to use strength intelligently, maintain balance under pressure and respond to challenges with composure—qualities that extend beyond the sporting arena.
Urging the participants to give their best, Verma encouraged them to compete not merely for medals but to pursue excellence, test their limits, learn from stronger opponents and strive to become better than they were the previous day.
He expressed hope that the inaugural championship would be remembered not only for its medal winners but also for the sporting culture and aspirations it inspires, laying the foundation for a stronger judo movement in Nagaland. He also called for collective efforts among the government, sports associations, schools, coaches, parents and communities to create greater opportunities for young athletes.
The championship has drawn participation from nine districts—Zunheboto, Phek, Kohima, Chümoukedima, Dimapur, Tuensang, Meluri, Mon and Mokokchung—with a total of 472 participants.