L. Ajit Singh tries to overpower M. Santikumar Singh at Khuman Lampak Indoor Hall on Tuesday. A Telegraph picture

Imphal, Aug. 26: S. Kinter Singh of SAG wrestled into the final of the junior boys’ category, where he will meet L. Ajit Singh of Mayai Lambi Sports Academy in the 16th Manipur State-Level Judo Championship, which got under way at Khuman Lampak Indoor Hall today.

In the semi-final bout of the 55-kg junior boys’ epon event, S. Kinter Singh made an impressive display of skill flooring his rival T. Amujao Singh of International Kodokan Judo Club with a acrobatic throw to win the match.

The tenacious L. Ajit Singh on the other hand defeated M. Shantikumar Singh of International Kodokan Judo Club after a lengthy tussle in another bout of the 55-kg junior boys’ category to enter the event final.

In the sub-junior girls’ 35-kg bout, Kh. Sanathoi Devi of Mayai Lambi Sports Academy defeated Kh. Bindiya Devi of United Development Association.

In the 45-kg bout, L. Pujaghani Devi of Mayai Lambi Sport Academy floored M. Roji Devi of UDA. In the 25-kg bout of the sub-junior boys’ category, Ch. Rabi Singh of Mayai Lambi Sports Academy got the better of Ng. Goroba Singh of Lukram Leirak Youth Club.

The three-day championship has got an overwhelming response with 223 judokas, including 70 girls from nine units participating in the meet.

Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing who attended inaugural session as chief guest said he would do his best to help improve the equipment and infrastructure to encourage this sport in the state.

He said building a separate judo hall as highlighted by the Manipur Judo Association would be looked into.

“It is now very clear that Manipur sportspersons have made their mark in the country and formed an integral part of the Indian contingent in several international events. Lets us be prepared for the London Olympics in 2012 so that our players can bring us greater glory,” the MP said.

Lok Sabha MP and Manipur Judo Association president T. Meinya Singh assured the gathering that he, along with Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing, would buy two mats for the Manipur Judo Association.

He also called upon all participating judokas to give their best in the championship. He said the state has produced great judokas like the two Olympians — Brojeshowri Devi and Kh. Tombi Devi — and if the players give in their 100 per cent more will surely follow.

Manipur Olympic Association president E. Binoykumar Singh also attended the opening ceremony.