2025, Vol. 12, Issue 1, Part A

Judo, a modern martial art established by Jigoro Kano in 1882, serves as a method of physical, intellectual, and moral education. Its international proliferation began in the late 19th century, with Kano introducing the discipline to Europe in 1889. The sport gained global recognition through its inclusion in the Olympic Games, with men's judo debuting in 1964 and women's judo in 1992. Today, judo enjoys widespread popularity, with countries like France, Cuba, and India developing notable talent and achieving success.

In India, the Khelo India program, launched in 2018, has revitalized the sports culture by promoting grassroots participation, talent identification, and infrastructure development. States like Haryana, Punjab, and Kerala have established training centers and academies under the program, focusing on nurturing judo talent. Initiatives such as Kerala’s JUDOKA program and specialized training centers in Delhi exemplify efforts to develop the sport scientifically and inclusively.

National and regional tournaments under Khelo India have provided platforms for athletes to showcase their skills, with states like Haryana, Delhi, and Manipur achieving notable successes. Haryana’s Preeti Gulia and Delhi’s Jatin Tokas clinched gold medals in the Khelo India University Games, while Kerala and Manipur have consistently excelled in women's judo leagues. States like Rajasthan and Assam have also made significant strides, highlighting the growing prominence of judo in India.

The Khelo India program has been instrumental in fostering judo talent, enabling athletes to excel at national and international levels, and strengthening India’s presence in the global judo community.