New Delhi: Takhellambam Inunganbi has secured a bronze medal in the women’s -70kg category at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos City, China, ending India’s 13-year wait for a podium finish at the continental competition.
The 27-year-old defeated Mongolia’s Lkhagvadulam Sarantsetseg by ippon in the bronze medal bout, sealing her place on the podium.
Inunganbi had earlier suffered a quarter-final defeat to Uzbekistan’s Shirinjon Yuldoshova, who went on to claim silver, but fought back in the repechage round, defeating Alina Moldokulova to earn a shot at bronze, according to olympics.com.
Gold in the category was claimed by Mun Song-hui, an Olympian and Asian Games silver medallist.
The last time India reached the podium at the Asian Judo Championships was in 2013, when Angom Anita Chanu won bronze in the women’s -52kg event in Bangkok.
India’s overall tally at the individual Asian Championships now stands at 16 medals, including four silver and 12 bronze. The country’s silver medallists include Poonam Chopra, Najib Aga, Pankaj Sharma, and Ramashrey Yadav.
India has fielded a full-strength contingent of 18 judokas – nine men and nine women – for the ongoing championships, which conclude on Saturday. Tulika Maan is set to compete in the women’s +78kg category on the final day.
