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Judoka Linthoi proves people can excel both in sports and education

Linthoi Chanambam from Manipur scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian to win gold at the Cadet World Championships 2022 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, across any age and gender.

ByBishworjit Mandengbam

Updated 28 Aug 2022, 5:23 pm

Gold medallist Linthoi Chanambam from Manipur (PHOTO: IFP)
Gold medallist Linthoi Chanambam from Manipur (PHOTO: IFP)

Young Linthoi Chanambam from Manipur scripted history and made the whole country and the state proud by clinching gold for the first time for India across all age groups in the Cadet World Championships 2022.

Interestingly, Linthoi's performance junked the general idea that sports persons are most of the time not well educated. She proved that with hardwork and dedication, people can excel in both sports and education.

To the surprise of many, Linthoi, who clinched the gold medal in the world championships, scored 94 marks out of 100 in Social Sciences in the recently concluded HSLC exam and she passed the examination scoring74 per cent.

Coming from a humble family background, like many sportspersons who made international fame from the state, Linthoi was brought up by parents who were both farmers.

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Linthoi's mother, Sanabam Guneshwori said that she was extremely overjoyed on learning that her daughter clinched the gold medal in the Cadet World Championships.

Even though she didn't get to watch the live match of her daughter, Linthoi's mother Guneshwori said that she was filled with happiness after Linthoi lifted the pride of the country at the World Cadet Judo Championships.

As told by her, she had not met her daughter since April, when Linthoi appeared for the HSLC exam 2022.

Notably when the Imphal Free Press contacted her family members, it was at a time when Linthoi was in deep conversation with family members.

Her father was out of station to accompany her younger sister for the Khelo India Youth games in Guwahati. Her 12-year-old younger sister is also in the same discipline of Judo like her.

Meanwhile in a conversation with the Imphal Free Press, Linthoi said that she will be coming back to India on Sunday. She, however, is yet to confirm the exact date and time of her return to Manipur as she said that she would have to consult her coaches for further training in view of upcoming championships.

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ALSO READ: Manipur's Linthoi Chanambam scripts history, becomes India’s first ever Judo World Champion

The 15-year-old judoka defeated Bianca Reis of Brazil in the women's 57kg category on Friday to become India’s first-ever Judo World Champion.

Lauding her remarkable performance, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in a series of tweets said, "LINTHOI WINs India's 1st EVER GOLD AT WORLDS Reigning Asian Champion #LinthoiChanambam (W-57kg) defeats Brazil's Bianca Reis 1-0 to win gold at Cadet World C'ships 2022. She scripts history to become world Champion by winning 1st ever gold for India at the Worlds across any age-group."

"Judoka Linthoi wins India's first ever Gold at the Worlds across any age-group (Cadet, Junior, Senior) Linthoi is a #TOPScheme development group athlete Many congratulations Superb Effort!!"

Taking to Twitter Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur congratulated Judoka Linthoi for the feat. 

"Our athletes are making a historic mark at the World Stage. At 15, Linthoi Chanambam our #TOPSAthlete (Development) scripts history to become the 1st ever World Champion from India. Judoka Linthoi bagged GOLD medal in women’s 57kg at the World Cadet Championships 2022. Keep rising," the Union Sports minister tweeted.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also congratulated her and extended best wishes for her future endeavour.

"Manipur's Linthoi Chanambam became the first Indian to take home the Gold medal at the World Cadet Judo Championship in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Wonderful achievement! Heartiest congratulations and best wishes for her future endeavours", Biren posted on Facebook.

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Linthoi Chanambamfirst indian Judo World ChampionCadet World Championships 2022Judo World Champion

Bishworjit Mandengbam

Bishworjit Mandengbam

Sub-editor-cum-reporter, IFP, Imphal, Manipur

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