Mrigakshi Saha’s Golden Triumph Boosts Tripura’s Judo Dreams

In the bustling arena of the 55th Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) National Sports Competition held in Agra, a teenager from Agartala stole the spotlight. Mrigakshi Saha, just 13 years old, stepped onto the mat in the Under‑14 girls’ 36 kg category and emerged with a glittering gold medal for Tripura.

The victory was anything but a fluke. Throughout the tournament, Mrigakshi displayed a blend of poise and aggression that belied her age. Each throw, each grip was executed with the confidence of someone who has spent countless hours honing her craft under the watchful eye of coach Pradip Sarkar.

Pradip Sarkar, a certified Khelo India judo coach and the lead trainer at the NSRCC Khelo India Judo Centre in Agartala, has been guiding the young athlete since she first took up the sport. "Mrigakshi’s dedication is remarkable," Sarkar said after the final bout. "She trains hard, respects the discipline, and today she proved that hard work does pay off."

When the train pulled into Agartala station on Sunday morning, a small crowd had gathered – family members, fellow judokas, and a few local officials. They welcomed her with cheers, flowers, and an earnest hope that her achievement would inspire the next generation of athletes from the state.

The KVS National Sports Meet brings together student‑athletes from 25 regional boards, competing across multiple age groups – Under‑14, Under‑17, and Under‑19 – in a range of sports. For many, it is a stepping stone to larger platforms, and Mrigakshi’s gold is a clear signal that Tripura is beginning to shine in judo.

Her triumph arrives at an exciting time for Tripura’s judo community. Earlier this year, fellow state judoka Asmita Dey made history at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, capturing India’s first gold in the women’s 48 kg division. Dey’s decisive throw in the Golden Score period against Canada’s Heidi Quach resonated across the nation, putting Tripura on the judo map.

India’s overall performance at the Commonwealth Games – two golds, a silver, and a bronze in judo – has certainly raised the sport’s profile. Now, with Mrigakshi adding a national title to the list, the momentum is building for more youngsters in Tripura to take up the gi and aim for similar glory.

Looking ahead, the young champion has modest yet ambitious plans. Under Sarkar’s mentorship, she hopes to compete in senior national events and eventually represent India on the international stage. For now, though, she’s content to savor the applause, the ribbon around her neck, and the knowledge that she has made her state proud.

As the celebrations wind down, the message is clear: Tripura’s judo future looks brighter than ever, thanks to athletes like Mrigakshi Saha and the steadfast support of coaches, families, and a community that believes in dreaming big.