Mokokchung emerged as the overall champion of the inaugural Nagaland State Judo Championship 2026, topping the medal tally with 47 gold, 39 silver and 42 bronze medals at the three-day championship held from September 10 to 12 at Eden Academy, Mokokchung.
Zunheboto finished runners-up with 14 gold, three silver and three bronze medals, while Dimapur secured third place with seven gold and two bronze medals.
The championship, organised by the Nagaland Judo Association (NJA) in collaboration with event partner Eden Academy, Mokokchung, saw a total participation of 472 athletes from 10 districts: Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Dimapur, Kohima, Phek, Chümoukedima, Meluri, Mon, Tuensang and Tseminyu.
Tseminyu joined the championship on the final day and took part in various remaining categories. Registration was also continued during the three-day event.
Across the championship, athletes competed in different age and weight categories, with 71 gold, 47 silver and 50 bronze medals awarded in total. Prize distributions were conducted at the conclusion of the competitions on each of the three days, with medals and certificates presented to the respective winners and podium finishers.
The closing ceremony featured three senior finals. In the senior women’s -63 kg category, Jyoti Devi of Dimapur won the gold medal, followed by Nukshikala Jamir of Mokokchung in second place and Mannon W. Konyak of Mon in third.
In the senior men’s +100 kg category, Amandeep Singh of Dimapur emerged winner, while Venuzo Dawhuo of Phek finished second. In the senior men’s -100 kg category, Deenbandhu of Dimapur claimed the top position, with Huluyi D. Vadeo of Phek finishing runner-up.
Best Judo Players
The championship also recognised outstanding performers in various age and weight categories. The Best Judo Players awards went to Aranya Das (-30 kg boys), Edikumla (-36 kg girls), Rongsennungba N. Longkumer (-35 kg boys), Pololi Chopi (-32 kg girls), Nighali Ayemi (-44 kg girls), Akumtoshi Imchen (-50 kg boys), Yasali Supong (girls, 6–8 years), Y. Brijesh Singha (boys, 6–8 years), Kaushik Kumar Naik (boys, -20 kg, 9–10 years), Lendiyala Ruth Imchen (girls, -35 kg, 9–10 years), Meerai Yadav (-81 kg senior men) and Jyoti Devi (-63 kg senior women).
The championship was supported by four JFI technical referees/black belt holders and 16 trained technical officials from NJA, besides more than 40 additional officials and in-charges involved in conducting the competitions.
As part of the arrangements, lodging was provided for around 90 players and officials for three days, along with breakfast and dinner. Lunch and tea arrangements were also made for more than 500 people. Registration for the championship was kept free of cost.
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At the closing ceremony, Dr. Kevezai Tureng, Director of the College Development Council, Nagaland University, Lumami, attended as the special guest. He congratulated the NJA on conducting the first state-level judo championship and stressed the need for a structured approach to developing the sport in the state.
Dr. Tureng emphasised that judo can help young athletes develop discipline, resilience, respect and confidence, and said the sport should be developed from the school level through district and state competitions, specialised coaching and participation in regional, national and international events.
He also called for promising judokas emerging from the championship to be identified and provided focused training and sustained support.
The closing programme included the final bouts, prize distribution and felicitation of coaches and officials. Khalo Councellor, Eden Academy chaired the program, Temsulila Mentor pronounced the invocation, while a special presentation by Sendongjungla. NJA Vice-President Rongsentoshi Jamir delivered the vote of thanks, while NJA President I Temsu Jamir pronounced the benediction.
