"Judo in Nepal: Promoting Self-Defense and Physical Fitness"
Judo is a popular martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan in the late 19th century. It is based on the principles of maximum efficiency and minimum effort and uses throws, joint locks, and strikes to subdue an opponent. In Nepal, Judo has been gaining popularity over the years as a means of self-defense and physical fitness.
The Nepal Judo Association (NJA) was established in 1964 and is the governing body for Judo in Nepal. The association has been working to promote and develop Judo throughout the country. The NJA has been organizing national-level Judo championships regularly, and many Nepali Judokas have won medals at international competitions.
Judo is taught in many schools and martial arts training centers in Nepal. The Nepali Army and Police also offer Judo training to their personnel as a part of their physical fitness regimen. The popularity of Judo in Nepal can be attributed to its effectiveness as a means of self-defense and physical fitness, as well as its accessibility to people of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the most well-known Nepali Judokas is Phupu Lhamu Khatri, who won a bronze medal in the women's 63 kg category at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. She also won a gold medal at the South Asian Games held in Kathmandu in 2019. Another prominent Nepali Judoka is Nangsal Devi Tamang, who won a silver medal in the women's 48 kg category at the 2019 South Asian Games.
The Nepali government has also been supporting the development of Judo in the country. The Ministry of Youth and Sports provides financial assistance to the Nepal Judo Association for organizing national-level championships and sending Nepali Judokas to international competitions. The government also offers scholarships to talented young Judokas to help them develop their skills further.
Judo is a popular martial art and combat sport in Nepal, with a rich history and a growing community of practitioners. The Nepal Judo Association has been working to promote and develop Judo throughout the country, and many Nepali Judokas have achieved international success. Judo is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and its popularity is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
