Dr Najma Heptulla opens National Sub-Jr and Cadet Judo Championships

DIO/OSR
Imphal, Oct 16 : Governor Dr Najma Heptulla opened the National Sub- Junior and Cadet Judo Championships, 2019 at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, Imphal, today. The championship is organized by Manipur Judo Association under the aegis of Judo Federation of India and will continue till October 19, 2019.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla said that Manipur is widely known as the “Power House” of sports in the country and has produced a number of National and International sportspersons in various disciplines including the sport discipline of “Judo”.  She complimented the organizers for combining two national championships under one roof and making it a mega event.
Stating that the All Manipur Judo and Karate Association was formed in 1978 and the Manipur Judo Association became a separate entity in the year, 1983 to boost the morale of the Judo players, she said organization of such National Level Championships on regular basis is imperative.
She applauded the Manipur Judo Association for producing several Judo players of International and Olympic standards.
President of Manipur Judo Association, Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh, expressed gratitude to the Judo Federation of India for giving the opportunity to host the National Sub-junior and Cadets’ Judo Championship 2019 for the first time.
He congratulated the Indian Judo players who won 32 medals in the recently concluded Commonwealth Judo Championship 2019 in Birmingham, UK. The Government of Manipur has extended all possible support to make the championship a grand success, he said.
Education Minister Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, Vice-Chairman, Organizing Committee, N Ibochou Singh, Managing Director, Bharatia Infra Projects Ltd, Imphal Branch, Th Arunkumar Singh, Proprietor Arun Enterprises were on the dais as the presidium members of the opening function. As part of the ongoing National Championship, Governor hand over prizes to the medal winners hailing from different States of the Country.
Manipur players have managed 9 medals including 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze  till day 2 while Gujarat unit is following closely with 3 gold and 3 bronze medals in their tally.
M Roshibina won Manipur a gold medal in the sub-junior girls -44 kg event beating Himachal Pradesh's Rupanshi in the final today while L Nungsithoi earned the State another gold medal in the 48 kg event. Other State athletes winning gold medals for Manipur was L Monalisa who dumped Shaan of Haryana in the 52 kg final and M Rajendro who got the better of Lalchhandama  Immanuel of Mizoram in the -55 kg final for sub-junior boys.
Altogether 869 players, 456 boys and 413 girls, along with 126 officials from 30 States are taking part in the National Championship.