Manipur to select National Judo Championships team through Sangai Cup

The Sangai Cup Inter-Club Judo Tournament 2026 will be held in Imphal from Friday to Sunday, serving as selection trials for Manipur's team for the National Judo Championships. The event is jointly organised by IIS and the Manipur Judo Association

Imphal: The Sangai Cup Inter-Club Judo Tournament 2026 will be held at the Sports Authority of India New Multipurpose Hall in Takyelpat, here, from Friday to Sunday. The tournament will also serve as selection trials to pick Manipur’s team for the National Judo Championships.

The three-day tournament will feature bouts across the Sub-Junior, Cadet, Junior and Senior categories, with weigh-ins beginning on Thursday. The bouts will be held over the following three days, and performances will determine team selection for the National Judo Championships across the four categories.

---

The tournament is being jointly organised by the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and the Manipur Judo Association (MJA). According to the schedule shared by the MJA, weigh-ins for Junior Boys and Girls and Sub-Junior Girls will take place at Khuman Lampak on Thursday.

Bouts in the Junior Boys and Girls and Sub-Junior Girls categories will be held on Friday, along with weigh-ins for Sub-Junior Boys and Cadet Boys and Girls. Bouts in the Sub-Junior Boys and Cadet Boys and Girls categories will take place on Saturday, along with weigh-ins for Senior Men and Women.

The final day will feature bouts in the Senior Men and Women categories, followed by the closing and medal ceremonies.

IIS president Manisha Malhotra highlighted the institute’s continued partnership with the MJA through the tournament.

“The Manipur Judo Association has been a valued partner in our efforts to develop judo in the region. We are delighted to continue supporting the Sangai Cup, which also serves as the state selection trials and offers athletes an opportunity to earn a place at the National Championships.

“Manipur and the Northeast have consistently produced exceptional sporting talent, and through initiatives like this, we hope to provide more competitive opportunities, nurture young judokas and contribute to the continued growth of judo in the region,” Malhotra said.