Chandigarh’s judo scene received a resounding triumph as two talented athletes, Sapna and Angel Yadav, showcased their skills and brought honor to their hometown in the prestigious Cadet National Judo Championship. The event, hosted at IIS JSW in Karnataka, witnessed fierce competition among participants from across the country.
Representing Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 37, Sapna demonstrated her prowess in the -40kg category, securing a well-deserved silver medal. Despite a valiant effort in the final match, she narrowly missed the gold, succumbing to the formidable skills of Punjab’s rising star, Maya. Sapna’s consistent excellence in the sport has earned her four previous national gold medals, establishing her as a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, Angel Yadav, a dedicated student of Government Model Senior Secondary School in Sector 23, showcased her talent in the -44kg category, clinching the bronze medal. Although she faced a tough semifinal against Delhi’s Yuvika Tokas, Angel’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament garnered her a well-deserved spot on the podium. Her consistent display of skill and determination has also earned her recognition as a national medallist.
These remarkable achievements can be attributed to the guidance and training provided by their coach, Vivek Thakur, at the esteemed Sector 34 Sports Complex. Thakur’s expertise and mentorship have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of these young judokas, molding them into formidable competitors.
In another exciting development, the Amateur Judo Association has carefully selected a contingent of 16 individuals, comprising 12 judokas and four officials, to represent the city in the upcoming national championship. This highly anticipated tournament, organized by the Judo Federation of India, is set to take place in Karnataka. The chosen team members have already demonstrated their commitment and potential, and their participation in this prestigious event promises to showcase the city’s rich talent pool and passion for judo.
As the competition draws near, the city eagerly anticipates the remarkable displays of skill, determination, and sportsmanship that its judo stars are known for. The journey to the national championship has just begun, and we wish our local judokas the best of luck as they prepare to make their mark on the grand stage.
