India’s nine-member judo team competing at the World Judo Championships starting October 4 in Baku, Azerbaijan, are ready to make an impression. “The eight-day long global competition will be a good opportunity for the Indian team to raise the bar, and earn valuable 2028 Olympic Games qualification points,” Mukesh Kumar, President, Judo Federation of India (JFI) said.

The nine-member national team includes Harish Singh (men’s -60kg). Asmita Dey (-48kg), Shraddha Chopade, Leishangthem Nungshithoi Chanu (-52kg), Yamini Mourya (-57kg), Himanshi Tokas (-63kg), Inunganbi Takhellambam (-70kg), Taibanganbi Khaidem Chanu (-78kg) and Ishroop Narang (+78kg) will compete in the women’s group.  

Asian Games 2026

India’s three-member Indian judo team gave a good account of themselves at the Aichi Nagoya Asian Games 2026 held between September 19 to October 4 in Japan. The judo competition was conducted from September 30 to October 1.

Of the three female judo players representing India at the Asian Games 2026 two of them 2026 India’s Commonwealth Games champion in women’s -48kg category, Asmita Dey, and Inunganbi Takhellambam (-70kg) advanced to the bronze medal round in their respective weight categories but narrowly missed podium finish. Yamini Mourya, the third Indian player lost her repechage bout in the women’s below 70kg category. “All three players gave a good display of their prowess during the Asian Games,” JFI President added.

 “The Indian judo team attended an international exposure camp at Tokyo’s National Training Centre and Tsukuba University ahead of the Asian Games and Worlds. It was a good opportunity for Indian players to polish their skills. The sparring partners were good. The Indian players also got an opportunity to practice with the Japanese national team,” National Judo Coach, Jiwan Sharma said.

The fortnight pre-Asian Games and Worlds exposure camp in Japan was sanctioned by Sports Authority of India (SAI) as part of broader support to the national team. The sanction for international exposure was granted under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Assistance to National Sports Federations scheme.