Members of the Mokokchung team pose for a photo after being crowned overall champions at the inaugural Nagaland State Judo Championship 2026 in Mokokchung on September 12. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | September 12
Mokokchung emerged as the overall champion of the first Nagaland State Judo Championship 2026, finishing on top of the medal table with 47 gold, 39 silver and 42 bronze medals as the three-day competition concluded at Eden Academy on September 12.
The host district’s 128-medal haul placed it well ahead of Zunheboto, which finished runner-up in the team championship with 14 gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
The inaugural championship brought together 481 athletes from 10 districts—Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Dimapur, Kohima, Phek, Chümoukedima, Meluri, Mon, Tuensang and Tseminyu. Tseminyu entered the competition on the final day as athletes continued to compete in the remaining categories.
Organised by the Nagaland Judo Association (NJA) under the theme “United by Judo, Driven by Excellence,” the championship featured 17 age groups, from the kids’ category to seniors, with six weight categories under each age group.
Dimapur secured seven gold and two bronze medals, while Phek finished with one gold, three silver and one bronze. Kohima won one gold and two silver medals, Meluri claimed one gold, and Tuensang and Mon secured one bronze medal each. Chümoukedima and Tseminyu finished without medals.
The championship concluded with a closing ceremony attended by Dr Kevezai Tureng, Director of the College Development Council, Nagaland University, Lumami, as the special guest.
Congratulating the NJA on organising the state’s first judo championship, Dr Tureng said the event marked an important beginning for the sport in Nagaland. He emphasised that judo’s greatest contribution extended beyond competition, as it cultivated discipline, resilience, respect and confidence among young people.
“Judo is a sport that demands discipline, and that discipline carries into life,” he said.
The closing programme featured three senior final bouts. In the women’s −63 kg category, Jyoti Devi of Dimapur emerged winner, 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 won, with Venuzo Dawhuo of Phek finishing runner-up. In the +100 kg final, Deenbandhu of Dimapur emerged champion, while Huluyi D Vadeo of Phek secured second place.
