Imphal, 15 October 2026: The fourth edition of the IIS Sangai Cup judo tournament will be held from 16 to 18 October at the Sports Authority of India New Multipurpose Hall in Takyelpat, Imphal.
The tournament is organised jointly by the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and the Manipur Judo Association (MJA). It will also act as the state selection trials for the Manipur judo team ahead of the National Judo Championships.
Four age groups, one team to make
Selections will be made across four categories: Sub-Junior, Cadet, Junior and Senior. Judokas who do well in Imphal will earn a place in the Manipur team for the national event in their age group.
The previous edition drew more than 500 judokas across the age categories.
Over its first three editions, the Sangai Cup has become a regular competition for young judokas in the state, giving them the chance to test themselves against players of their own age and push for state selection.
IIS on the partnership
Manisha Malhotra, President of the Inspire Institute of Sport, said the institute was pleased to keep backing the event.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Manipur’s judo pedigree
Manipur has a strong record in Indian judo. Likmabam Sushila Devi, from the state, won silver medals for India at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2022.
The Sangai Cup is part of the work by IIS and the MJA to strengthen the grassroots base of the sport in the state, so that more young players come through to compete at national level.
Seniors close the event
The three-day tournament ends on 18 October with the senior men’s and women’s competitions, followed by the medal presentation and closing ceremony.
About the Inspire Institute of Sport
The Inspire Institute of Sport is a high-performance training centre in Vijayanagara, Karnataka. It works to identify, develop and support Indian sporting talent through its training programmes and grassroots initiatives.
Its support for the Sangai Cup extends that work to the Northeast, where the Sangai Cup is now in its fourth edition.
