The Nagaland Judo Association (NJA) successfully conducted the Open Selection Trials for Sub-Junior National Judo Championship 2025–26 under the supervision and guidance of the Judo Federation of India on November 1 at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung.

Pranab Saha, Observer from Judo Federation of India (JFI) who is also the General Secretary, Tripura

Judo Association, was present at the event as the official observer.

In his address, the Observer, Pranab Saha, congratulated the Nagaland Judo Association for its initiative and for successfully organizing the selection trials. He noted that Nagaland currently has only a few judokas compared to other Northeastern states. While acknowledging that the overall performance was average, he emphasized that there is room for improvement in technical skills. He urged the Association to arrange a special coaching camp for the selected judokas before the Nationals, focusing on enhancing their technical abilities and overall preparedness.

The Nagaland Judo Association acknowledged the feedback and expressed its commitment to organizing a special coaching camp for the selected judokas.

Judokas from several districts participated in the trials. Following the competition, the Nagaland Judo

Association announced the list of selected athletes who will represent the state at the Sub-Junior National Judo Championship 2025–26, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from November 16 to 20,2025.

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In the boys’ category, the selected judokas are Imben (-30 kg), Miponger (-35 kg), Lieve (-40 kg), Impangkokba (-45 kg), Yeheka Chophy (-50 kg), Lanutemjen (-55 kg), and Imnaakum (-66 kg). In the girls’ category, the state will be represented by Bolika (-36 kg), Adalyn (-44 kg), Nighali (-48 kg), Tolito Ayeh (- 57 kg), and Avyrang (-63 kg).

The special coaching camp for the selected judokas will commence from November 3, with the team likely scheduled to depart for Hyderabad by November 12. The team will be lead by Vice President of NJA, Rongsentoshi Jamir as manager and Somnath Chakraborty as coach.

In addition to the selection trials, a grading examination was also conducted during the event.

Participants who undertook the grading test were awarded certificates and belts based on their performance and achievement. A total of 25 judokas earned Yellow Belts, 5 earned Orange Belts, and 14 achieved Green Belts.

The event concluded with a brief felicitation ceremony where the certificates and belts were distributed to the achievers. The Nagaland Judo Association expressed appreciation to all technicals, participants, coaches, and officials for their active involvement and encouraged the selected sub-junior team to give their best performance at the upcoming national championship in Hyderabad.