Linthoi Chanambam’s Historic Gold in Berlin
Linthoi Chanambam from Manipur made headlines by winning the gold medal in the 63 kg category at the Berlin Junior European Cup 2025, marking India’s first-ever gold at this event. A top-seeded Polish competitor stood in her path, but Linthoi’s performance was unstoppable. The victory is a major milestone for Indian judo, especially on the European circuit
Introduction: A Dream Come True in Judo
Ever felt your heart skip a beat watching someone chase their dreams and nail it? That’s exactly what happened when Linthoi Chanambam, the young judo prodigy from Manipur, stepped onto the mat in Berlin on June 21 2025. Competing in the 63 kg division, she faced a top-tier Polish opponent and came out on top, bringing home India’s first junior European Cup gold in judo. It was pure passion, grit, and grace rolled into one powerful moment .
1. From Manipur to Berlin: Linthoi’s Inspiring Journey
1.1 Roots in Manipur
Linthoi wasn’t born into fancy gyms or sports academies. Born and raised in Manipur—a state known for its fierce love for sports, especially combat games—she fell in love with judo at a young age. Her hometown may not have Olympic-sized facilities, but it had the willpower and community to stand behind her dreams.
1.2 Rising Through the Ranks
Her journey began with local tournaments, where she kept gathering medals like stepping stones, leading to a breakthrough in Sarajevo in 2022. That’s when she won India’s first-ever gold at the Cadet World Judo Championships in the 57 kg category . That moment didn’t just make history—it ignited a belief in her potential to stand tall on global platforms.
2. Berlin’s Big Stage: The 2025 Junior European Cup
2.1 The Event Setup
The Junior European Cup in Berlin is no walk in the park. It draws top junior judokas worldwide, a melting pot of top-level talent from Europe and beyond. Being invited—and then winning—means legions of eyes, pressure, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shine.
2.2 The Battle Against a Top-Seed
Linthoi faced the top seed from Poland in the final. Imagine going toe-to-toe with someone who’s “supposed” to win. And what does the underdog do? She flips the script. Through masterful grips, seamless footwork, and impeccable timing, she landed the decisive throw to secure her place at the top
Support Systems: The Team Behind Linthoi
Coaching & Training
It wasn’t solo. Her coaches, training partners, and local institutions worked tirelessly to refine her technique, build physical strength, and sharpen her mind. It’s sports teamwork at its core.
Institutional Support
The Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) backed her intensely—helping with nutrition, physiotherapy, international exposure, and mental preparation. Their message on LinkedIn, “Golden girl in Berlin! #TeamIIS judoka Linthoi Chanambam clinches GOLD in the 63kg category…” is testament not just to a win—but to consistent investment
5. A Day of National Anthems in Berlin
Berlin witnessed a sweep of different national anthems. Yet, the one that floated loudest—when Linthoi stood in the winners’ circle—was India’s. Picture that: her moment, her song, and a whole nation’s pride rolled into one arena moment .
Lessons for Future Champions
- Start early, stay steady: Her journey from local mats to world medals proves persistence beats talent alone.
- Surround yourself with excellence: Coaches, partners, physiotherapists—community fuels growth.
- Dream, and then chase it: Linthoi didn’t stop at local glory. She aimed high, and powered through boundaries.
- Use every win as a stepping stone: Sarajevo was big. Berlin is bigger. Next stop? Even bigger stages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Linthoi Chanambam?
A judo standout from Manipur, Linthoi won India’s first-ever cadet world judo gold in 2022 and clinched a historic gold in Berlin’s 63 kg category in 2025
2. What makes the Berlin Junior European Cup special?
It’s a prestigious B-level junior tournament in Europe featuring top global talents—winning here tells the world you’re elite.
3. Which category did she win?
She secured gold in the 63 kg women’s division, defeating the top-seeded Polish athlete in the final
4. How does this affect Indian judo?
It’s a milestone—boosting morale, inspiring athletes, drawing attention and potential investment into the sport.
5. What’s next for Linthoi?
She’ll be eyeing senior competitions, world championships, and Olympic qualification. Training intensifies, and opportunities grow.
