The inaugural Nagaland State Judo Championship 2026 has brought together 473 participants from nine districts of Nagaland on September 10, 2026.

Organised by the Nagaland Judo Association (NJA) at Eden Academy, Mokokchung, from September 10 to 12, the three-day championship is being held under the theme “United by Judo • Driven by Excellence.”

Judokas from Zunheboto, Phek, Kohima, Chümoukedima, Dimapur, Tuensang, Meluri, Mon and Mokokchung are participating in the championship, which brings together athletes across different 12 categories of various age and weight categories.

On the first day, 116 players competed in 113 matches, with competition held across 19 scheduled competition categories comprising 11 categories in the 6–8 years age group and eight categories in the 9–10 years age group. As competition progressed, the remaining categories drew further participation, taking the overall participation to 473 athletes from the nine participating districts.

The competitors are vying for first, second and third positions in their respective categories, with winners and placed athletes being awarded medals and certificates in recognition of their performances.

The organisers followed prescribed weight-screening, eligibility requirements and video screening before determining the final results.

In cases where only one competitor remained eligible after the weight screening, the athlete was declared the winner of the respective category. Similarly, where other competitors failed to meet the prescribed weight criteria, the player who successfully cleared the screening was awarded the applicable winning position.

The final results were therefore based not merely on registration or participation, but on successful completion of the prescribed weight-screening and eligibility requirements, ensuring that only eligible competitors were considered for the respective positions.

Addressing the inaugural championship, Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma said the significance of the event went beyond the medals being awarded, describing a State-level championship as an important platform for talent identification, competitive exposure and creation of a sporting pathway.

He said the championship should be viewed as “the beginning of a journey rather than the conclusion of one”, noting that an athlete emerging from the State-level platform could go on to represent Nagaland at national competitions and, eventually, India.

Verma also highlighted the character-building dimensions of judo, saying the sport develops discipline, technique, balance, concentration, respect and self-control.

“There is perhaps no better life lesson in judo than the ability to fall and rise again,” he said, encouraging young athletes to treat setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.

“A fall is not failure. Remaining down is failure,” the DC said, urging participants to return stronger after defeat.

He encouraged the athletes not to compete only for medals but to pursue excellence, test their limits, learn from stronger opponents and strive to become better than they were before.

“Win with humility. Lose with dignity. Learn from every experience,” he said, while stressing the importance of respecting rules, officials and opponents.

The Deputy Commissioner said Nagaland has considerable sporting potential, but stressed that the challenge lies in nurturing talent through proper coaching, equipment, nutrition, physical conditioning, exposure and regular competition.

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He called for a transition from occasional sporting events towards a sustained sporting ecosystem, with schools serving as an important starting point for identifying and developing sporting talent.

According to Verma, sports should also be viewed as a viable career pathway, with opportunities extending beyond professional competition to coaching, fitness and sports training, sports management, sports science, physical education, officiating and sports entrepreneurship.

He further stressed that sporting excellence should be balanced with education to develop “well-rounded, skilled and confident young citizens.”

On hosting the championship in Mokokchung, Verma said the event provides an opportunity for local youth to interact with athletes, coaches and sporting officials from across Nagaland and could encourage more young people to take judo and other sporting disciplines seriously.

The event also featured a message from Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir, who could not attend the inauguration.

In his message S Supongmeren Jamir congratulated the Nagaland Judo Association for organising the inaugural State championship.

Jamir noted that since its establishment on May 25, 2019, the NJA has undertaken initiatives to promote, develop and expand judo across Nagaland. He referred to the association’s organisation of the 2023 all-women tournament in Mokokchung under the Khelo India Dus Ka Dum framework, as well as its supervision of official Judo Federation of India selection trials.

He also highlighted the participation of young female judokas in the Kendriya Vidyalaya National Judo Championship in Agra, besides the association’s feature at the Northeast Japan Caravan, as indicators of Nagaland’s athletes gaining exposure beyond the State.

Jamir described the inaugural State championship as a landmark event, saying it reflected the association’s vision of building a structured and sustainable athletic pathway for young people across Nagaland’s districts.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Temjennaro Longchar, with the invocation offered by Khalo, Councillor, Eden Academy, followed by the welcome address delivered by I. Temsu Jamir, President, Nagaland Judo Association, besides a duet performance by Molungnenla and Sungtiyala, a special song presentation by students of Eden Academy. The championship was formally declared open by the Special Guest, followed by the oath-taking led by the Tournament Director, and commencement of the competition.

On the second day of the championship, a total of 261 bouts were played across the various age and weight categories.

The results of both Day One and Day Two competitions were announced at the end of the championship, followed by the prize distribution ceremony. The winners and medalists were presented with medals and certificates in recognition of their performances in their respective categories.

The championship is scheduled to conclude on September 12 at Eden Academy, Mokokchung.