10-Year-Old Giovanna de Sequeira Wins Bronze for India at World Jiu-Jitsu Championship

In a proud moment for Indian sports, ten-year-old Giovanna de Sequeira clinched a bronze medal at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 held in Abu Dhabi. Competing in the under-28kg Infant/Girls Gi category, Giovanna impressed judges and spectators alike with her discipline, technical precision, and resilience—a performance made even more remarkable given her recent recovery from a serious knee injury.

A Remarkable Return After Injury

Giovanna’s road to the podium wasn’t easy. Just five months ago, she underwent knee surgery that temporarily sidelined her training. However, her determined comeback began at the Kickboxing National Championship earlier this year, where she slowly rebuilt her competitive form and confidence.

Her bronze medal in Abu Dhabi reflects not just raw talent, but also mental toughness and strategic preparation—hallmarks of a future champion.

Family Support and Coaching: A Strong Foundation

At the core of Giovanna’s success is a close-knit support system. Her mother, Lourdes de Sequeira, praised both the family’s role and the influence of coach Raunak Singh in preparing Giovanna for high-level competition. She was also accompanied by her elder sister, Erica de Sequeira, herself a trained martial artist.

This blend of emotional support and professional guidance enabled Giovanna to compete confidently on an international platform, highlighting the importance of family encouragement in sports development.

De Sequeira Sisters: Building India’s Martial Arts Future

The spotlight on Giovanna also shines on her sister Erica, who holds an advanced international jiu-jitsu certification and is making strides in the sport. Together, the De Sequeira sisters are helping to build a legacy of martial arts excellence in India—a domain traditionally dominated by other nations.

Their combined achievements represent a rising tide of Indian talent in jiu-jitsu and reflect the growing infrastructure and interest in combat sports across the country.

India’s Growing Presence in Global Martial Arts

India’s participation in international martial arts tournaments has steadily increased, and Giovanna’s bronze adds another feather to the nation’s cap. Events like the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship serve as key stages where young Indian athletes are starting to compete—and win—against the best in the world.

The supportive ecosystem for sports, including access to quality coaching, better exposure, and structured competitions, is gradually yielding results in non-cricket sports, especially among youth.

Key Takeaways

• Giovanna de Sequeira, age 10, won bronze in the under-28kg Infant/Girls Gi category.
• Event: World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025, held in Abu Dhabi.
• She returned to sport after knee surgery five months ago.
• Trained under coach Raunak Singh and supported by her family and sister Erica.
• Erica holds an advanced jiu-jitsu certification, marking a family success story.
• Highlights India’s growing role in international martial arts, especially at the youth level.