Members of Oxford Judo Club have collected 36kg of judo kits to donate to a Judo training centre in New Delhi, India for underprivileged kids, writes Donna Richardson.

Oxford’s donation of 21 judo kits ensures that each junior judoka at this centre will now possess their own suit. Most of the children cannot afford their own kit, instead, borrowing one from their coach or peers for randori and competitions.

Despite this, the centre in India boasts a Youth Olympic Bronze medallist and three-time junior Asian Games medallists.

Former Oxford Judo’s (“Blues”) Women’s Captain Jennifer Star (nee Purcell) formed the link between Oxford University and the club when studying for a masters in the UK in 2012.

The 27-year old, from Australia had performed for her country on the world stage before retiring from international competition in 2011 to concentrate on her charity work in India running a business providing children with education.

In-between she competed in varsity judo before returning to Delhi and becoming involved with the local judo scene.

“Working with these kids, both in the classroom and on the judo mat is a real privilege. They are always willing to put in the extra effort and go the extra mile to succeed and they achieve so much with so little!,” Jennifer said.

“Sport provides a real way out for the kids. If they win a national medal, they are eligible for a government job or place at university through the “sports quota”. This means a secure income and future free of poverty.

“The experience has really made me realise just how lucky we are to have access to world class sporting facilities and equipment. It is great that my old club, Oxford judo has taken the initiative to give back through the donations of kits. It is such a small thing to us, but can be life changing for the kids in India.”

The centre, based in one of the poorer suburbs of Delhi, provides free judo lessons to local youth between the ages of eight and 21. The dedication and commitment of the coaches and athletes at the centre shines through in everything they do. They train for three hours a day, six days a week, despite summer temperatures climbing to 47 degrees and winter temperatures dropping below four degrees.

“While I’m not working with the club in any official capacity, I train and act as uke and sometimes coach in an unofficial volunteer capacity. 

“I do it alongside my work, simply out of love for the sport. The donation of kits was simply a one-off idea I had when I was back in UK for graduation.”

Oxford Judo Club’s Chris Doherty said: “We are delighted to be able to help these kids in Delhi. We still have about 30 tonnes more of equipment to ship out and are looking for anyone in the logistics industry willing to lend a hand.”

The club in India would like to thank Greg Mooks and Chris and Carol Doherty for donating and collecting kits and books in Oxford.

If you can help with logistics contact Chris on chris.doherty@britishjudo.org.uk