How Did VBF Judoka Kalpana Defeat Unnati Sharma to Secure Gold at the Sr National Judo C’ship 2025-26?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Discover how VBF judoka Irengbam Kalpana Devi shocked the judo world by winning gold against Unnati Sharma in the 63 kg category at the Senior National Judo Championship 2025-26. Her journey showcases dedication and the science of elite training.
Key Takeaways
- Kalpana Devi claims gold in the women's 63 kg category.
- Defeated top-ranked competitor Himanshi Tokas in the semifinals.
- Coached by Lal Krishan Baghel at VBF's centre in Ahmedabad.
- Focus on elite-level techniques and endurance training.
- This victory highlights the impact of performance-driven coaching.
Imphal, Dec 14 (NationPress) Irengbam Kalpana Devi from the Vijayi Bharat Foundation (VBF) clinched the gold medal in the women’s 63 kg category during the Senior National Judo Championship 2025-26.
Kalpana astonished the judo community by defeating Himanshi Tokas, a former Junior World No. 1 and the current Jr. World No. 3, in the semifinals of the competition.
She maintained her winning streak into the final, overpowering Unnati Sharma, the Senior Asian Championship silver medalist, with a dominant display to claim the gold.
Originally from Manipur, Kalpana has been honing her skills under coach Lal Krishan Baghel at VBF's high-performance centre in Ahmedabad since mid-2024.
"I am extremely pleased to have won gold today. This achievement is a result of the hard work and commitment from my team at VBF. I want to express my gratitude to the Vijayi Bharat Foundation and my coach, Lal Krishan Baghel, for my success today. I aspire to maintain this momentum and reach greater heights for our country," Kalpana stated.
Coach Baghel noted that Kalpana’s preparation for the Senior Nationals emphasized elite-level gripping techniques (kumi-kata), swift transitions from tachi-waza to ne-waza, match-specific randori, anaerobic endurance, and decision-making under fatigue. A special focus was placed on counteracting the strengths of top-ranked opponents and turning minor scoring chances into decisive advantages.
“This gold medal is not a coincidence. It is the result of meticulous planning, technical accuracy, and faith in the process,” Baghel asserted.
“Kalpana approached every session with dedication, trusting VBF even when the training was particularly strenuous,” he added.
Kalpana's outstanding performance solidifies her status among India's elite senior judokas in the -63 kg category and showcases the increasing influence of scientific, performance-oriented coaching at Vijayi Bharat Foundation (VBF). Experts suggest that this victory may herald her ascent on the international stage.
Other VBF judokas who excelled at the event include Rohit Majgul, who secured gold in the men’s 66 kg category, Shahin Darjada, silver in women's 57 kg, Anurag Sagar, silver in men's 60 kg, Max Laishram, silver in men's 73 kg, Simran, bronze in women's 48 kg, Wanglen Angom, bronze in men's 66 kg, and Reva Rawat, bronze in the women’s 63 kg category.
Point of View
Kalpana's victory illustrates the profound impact of focused coaching methods and rigorous training on athlete performance. As India continues to showcase talent in international sports, it is crucial to recognize and support these emerging athletes who are set to represent the nation on a global scale.
NationPress
14/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Irengbam Kalpana Devi?
Irengbam Kalpana Devi is a judoka from the Vijayi Bharat Foundation who recently won gold in the women's 63 kg category at the Senior National Judo Championship 2025-26.
What is the significance of Kalpana's victory?
Kalpana's victory not only highlights her individual talent but also emphasizes the effectiveness of scientific coaching strategies that are increasingly shaping India's judo landscape.
Who coached Kalpana?
Kalpana has been training under coach Lal Krishan Baghel at VBF's high-performance centre in Ahmedabad.
What were Kalpana's challenges in the championship?
Kalpana faced tough competition, including defeating former Junior World No. 1 Himanshi Tokas in the semifinals before overcoming Senior Asian Championship silver medalist Unnati Sharma in the finals.
What does this victory mean for Kalpana's future?
This gold medal marks a significant milestone for Kalpana, potentially paving the way for her rise in international judo competitions.
