Teenage judoka Linthoi Chanambam eyes global dominance amidst Manipur turmoil

After making history in the 57 kg category by winning gold at the World Cadet Judo Championship, she has now transitioned to the 63 kg weight class, stated EastMojo.

Although she secured a silver medal at the Gori Cadet European Cup, Linthoi acknowledges that she is still a work in progress in her new weight division.

As she competes in the National Cadet Judo Championships, she remains focused on her goal of global supremacy. Despite the unrest back home, Linthoi feels assured of her family's safety and is determined to continue training for upcoming international competitions, including the World Championships and the Asian Cup.

The young judoka's journey is marked by sacrifices, as she left her village at the age of 11 to train at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Bellary, Karnataka. Linthoi attributes her progress to the exceptional training environment at IIS and considers it the best place in the world for her development.

Her success has also come with challenges, including competing without crowd support and facing doubts about an Indian athlete's ability to win titles. Nevertheless, Linthoi's triumph at the world cadet championships has solidified her confidence and motivated her to aim higher.

Amidst her intense training regime, she battles her weakness for pizza, making sure to maintain a proper diet before major competitions. When she needs to unwind, Linthoi cherishes solitary moments and indulges in her love for dancing.