Arjun bags maiden medal in national judo championship

Arjun (15) of Ludhiana gave an impressive performance at the National Sub-Junior and Cadets Judo Championship by winning a medal. The championship was organised by the Maharashtra Judo Association and Inspire Institute of Sports under the auspices of the Judo Federation of India from January 18 to 25 at Pune.

Arjun, a student in Class XI at the local Police DAV Public School, competed in the cadet group in the below 66 kg category and made his presence felt by clinching the silver medal. This was Arjun’s maiden medal win in the national championship.

Arjun, a trainee of senior judo coach Parveen Thakur, took up the game just four years ago. He attended classes at the coaching centre at the multipurpose indoor hall, opposite Guru Nanak Stadium.

Last year, Arjun participated in the National School Games in Jammu, wherein he competed in the below 60 kg weight category in the U-14 group. Although he didn’t finish on the victory podium, he made waves by clinching the gold medal in the Punjab State Judo Championship, held in Jalandhar later.

Parveen Thakur said Arjun’s rapid progress was quite impressive. “He has a natural talent for judo, and his dedication and hard work have helped him learn and improve quickly. I am optimistic about his prospects and expect him to represent India internationally in the coming years,” said the coach.