The 19th state level judo championship was held recently held here to groom young Judokas of the state to compete in national and international level events.
The three-day-long 19th State Level Judo Championship was held at SAG Indoor Hall in Imphal. There were over 100 participants, including 65 boys and 35 girls, in the championship organised by the Manipur Judo Association.
In the past many Judokas from Manipur have won medals at national and international meets.
"Our boys and girls are doing very well at the national championship .Even in the past players in senior, junior, sub-junior categories have won championships and got gold medals," Deven Moirangthem, a coach.
"My aim is to participate in the Olympics and I want to get a medal in front of the people. I am practicing hard under my coach and I believe that someday I will achieve my goal,"
added NG Surchandra Singh, a player
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Every year Manipur Judo Association organizes a sports meet to popularize the sport. There are many Judokas in the Northeast but the region is yet to produce a national or an international level practitioner. Players need proper facilities and infrastructure so that they can hone their skills to compete at the international level and bring laurels to the country.
"We do not have proper facilities and infrastructure, and if we get it and practice hard under the guidance of our coach then I am sure that we can get medals at the Olympics and the world championship," said Kiranbala Devi, another player.
The Northeast has a large pool of talented sportspersons. And, the hosting of such events is certainly beneficial for them.