The judo tournament, organised by the Meghalaya Judo Association in collaboration with the Judo Federation of India, successfully hosted the Asmita Khelo India Womens Judo Tournament 2024-2025 East Zone in Shillong. Held at the SAI-STC NEHU Indoor Stadium, this event marked a significant milestone for womens judo in the region.
The tournament began with the all-important weigh-in, setting the stage for fierce competition. This was followed by the official opening ceremony, graced by D. D. Shira, the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs for the Meghalaya Government. His presence underscored the events importance in promoting womens sports in the state.
Judo enthusiasts were thrilled to see around 350 female athletes step onto the mats. These talented judokas competed across various age groups, from sub junior to senior levels, showcasing the depth of talent in womens judo. Participants came from different states in the East Zone, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal.
The event drew several dignitaries from the world of judo and sports administration. Among them were Yogesh Dhadve, Chairman of the Judo Federation of India, and Bah Finely L Pariat, General Secretary of MSOA. Their attendance highlighted the tournaments significance in the sports calendar.
As the competition heated up, Odisha emerged as a strong contender, bagging one gold, three silver, and four bronze medals. However, Arunachal Pradesh claimed seven medals. This impressive haul has certainly put them on the map in the East Zone judo circuit.
With 78 participants in the sub junior category and 57 in the cadet category, the future of womens judo in India looks promising. The MJA expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and attendees for making the event a resounding success.
The tournament aimed to promote fair play, respect, and perseverance among athletes. The event provided a platform for showcasing talent and fostering unity among athletes. It also highlighted the importance of transparency and integrity in sports competitions.