July 22: Combat sports in India have long been viewed as a male domain. But over the last decade, Indian women have steadily rewritten that narrative-first through boxing and wrestling, and now increasingly on the judo mat. Armed with fearless intent, technical excellence and growing international exposure, a new generation of female judokas is proving that Indian women belong among the world’s best in one of sport’s most demanding disciplines.
As India prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, that transformation is on full display. Four women from the Inspire Institute of Sport will represent the country, each bringing a unique story of resilience, perseverance and breakthrough performances. Together, they represent the growing depth of Indian judo and the country’s rising ambitions on the international stage.
1. Takhellambam Inunganbi – The Comeback Champion
Few athletes embody resilience quite like Takhellambam Inunganbi. The Manipur judoka battled back from not one but two career-threatening knee injuries—an ACL tear in 2018 and a meniscus injury in 2024-to return to competition. With barely two weeks of training following her recovery, she stunned the field to win the National Championships before scripting even bigger history in 2026 by winning bronze at the Asian Judo Championships. It was India’s first medal at the continental championships in 13 years, underlining both her determination and India’s growing presence in the sport.
2. Yamini Mourya – India’s Proven International Performer
Consistency at the international level is difficult to achieve in judo, but Yamini Mourya has steadily built that reputation. The -57kg judoka became the first Indian to medal at the FISU World University Games before adding titles at the African Open and Asian Open over the past two seasons. Her performances have also propelled her into the world’s top 55, making her one of India’s most accomplished judokas heading into Glasgow. With experience competing against elite international opponents, Yamini arrives as one of India’s strongest hopes on the tatami.
3. Ishroop Narang – The Teenage Trailblazer
At just 19, Ishroop Narang is already one of the brightest young talents in Indian judo. A former Junior World No. 3, she has built an impressive international résumé with medals across the Asian junior circuit while also establishing herself on the senior stage. Her qualification for the Commonwealth Games also made her the first athlete from Chandigarh to secure a place in India’s Glasgow contingent. Still early in her career, Ishroop represents the exciting future of Indian women’s judo.
4. Unnati Sharam – The Rising Force
At only 23, Unnati Sharma has steadily climbed through India’s junior and senior judo ranks, building valuable experience against some of Asia’s strongest competitors. A gold medal at the Dakar African Open and a bronze at the Hong Kong Asian Open highlighted her breakthrough season, while consistent appearances on the IJF World Tour have accelerated her development. Glasgow offers another opportunity for the young judoka to continue her rapid rise on one of the biggest stages of her career.
Leading India’s Next Chapter in Combat Sports
Indian women have already transformed the country’s fortunes in boxing and wrestling. Now, judo is beginning to script its own success story. From remarkable comeback stories and historic continental medals to emerging teenage stars and seasoned international performers, this quartet reflects the evolution of Indian women’s judo into a genuine force on the global stage.
As the action unfolds in Glasgow, these athletes won’t simply be competing for medals-they’ll be carrying forward the next chapter of India’s growing legacy in women’s combat sports.