Jatin Tokas: Carrying on the Judo Legacy and Aspiring for Olympic Glory

Judo runs through the veins of Jatin Tokas, so it was no surprise when he chose to pursue the sport.

Born into a family deeply rooted in Judo, Jatin recently clinched the gold medal in the 60 kg category of Judo at the inaugural Khelo India University Games held in Uttar Pradesh. Representing Delhi University, Jatin comes from a lineage of international-level judo players, including his father and sister.

Participating for the first time in the Khelo India University Games, Jatin reached the final in his event at Babu Banarasi Das University. There, he defeated Harsh Singh from Guru Kashi University, securing the gold medal. Reflecting on his victory, Jatin expressed, "Participating in the Khelo India University Games for the first time and winning gold is an exhilarating feeling. This medal holds a special place in my heart."

At the age of 19, Jatin is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce program at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce. Prior to his success at the University Games, he had participated twice in the Khelo India Youth Games. Recalling his previous achievements, Jatin shared, "I have previously competed in the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati and Madhya Pradesh. In Guwahati, I won the gold medal in the -50 kg category, and in MP, I secured the silver medal in the -60 kg category."

Jatin commended the Government of India's Khelo India initiative, stating, "It is a fantastic platform and an excellent government initiative to promote youth sports. It brings out the best talents and yields commendable results in their respective games, thereby bringing glory to our nation. The Youth and University Games have already produced numerous international players, and they will continue to do so in the future."

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He proudly mentioned his past accomplishments, including winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Championship held in Jaipur in 2018. Jatin further added, "I also clinched gold at the All India University event held at Lovely Professional University in January 2023. Additionally, I have participated in the School Nationals seven times, winning four gold and two silver medals. I also have a gold medal from the Cadet Nationals."

When asked about his connection to the sport, Jatin shared that his father, Jagbir Singh Tokas, is a judo coach and an international-level player. He also mentioned his sister, Prerna Tokas, who is also an international judo player. Jatin proudly said, "My father is a judo coach working in the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force), and he has also represented the country at an international level. My sister, Prerna Tokas, is a judo player as well. She secured the fifth position in the Commonwealth Championship held in England in 2019. She also participated in the Khelo India University Games last year, winning a bronze medal."

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Practising diligently at the Baba Gangnath Judo Academy in Munirka, Jatin dreams of representing his country in the Olympics and bringing home a medal. Currently preparing for the upcoming World University Games trials scheduled to be held in Patiala on June 14-15, Jatin shared his aspirations, saying, "My ultimate goal is to win a significant medal at the international level. I want to compete in the Olympics and achieve excellence in judo in the years to come."

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