Linthoi’s journey to the podium was one of grit, skill and perseverance. After her defeat to Japan’s So Morichika, the eventual champion, in the preliminaries, she fought her way back through the repechage, showcasing her mental strength and technical precision. In the bronze medal contest, she faced Joni Geilen (NED) and despite an early penalty, Linthoi’s attacking intent shone through. With calm determination, she seized control in the final seconds, securing an ippon that sealed an historic victory for India.
This is far from Linthoi’s first international triumph. She was already India’s first-ever judo world champion, having captured gold at the Cadet World Championships Sarajevo 2022. In June 2025, she added another milestone by becoming the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the Berlin Junior European Cup.
Trained at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Karnataka and having started judo at the age of eight in her hometown of Mayang Imphal, Linthoi represents the new face of Indian judo, confident, fearless and world-class. Her rise has been as inspiring as it is groundbreaking.
Her list of accolades continues to grow. In 2024, she was honoured by H.E. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, who presented her with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contribution to Indian sport.
At the medal ceremony in Lima, Linthoi’s eyes welled up with emotion as she stood on the podium proudly, a moment that resonated far beyond the tatami. Her achievement marks not only a personal triumph but also a breakthrough for Indian judo on the world stage.
As India celebrates its first-ever medal at the junior world championships, Linthoi’s success stands as a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across the nation, proof that with passion, resilience and opportunity, dreams can take you all the way to the world stage.
“This is just the beginning,” Linthoi said with a smile that reflected both pride and promise. And for Indian judo, it truly is.