India’s 27-year-old judoka Inunganbi Takhellambam has ended India’s 13-year medal drought. On Friday, April 17, she created history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 70 kg event at the Asian Judo Championships in Ordos, China. She got India its 16th medal ever at the continental event since 2013.
Takhellambam won the game on Ippon after defeating Mongolia’s Lkhagvadulam Sarantsetseg. The Indian performed a choke hold on the neck that forced the Mongolian judoka to tap out. The 27-year-old had started directly in the quarter-finals after resulting in a bye in the first round after losing to Uzbekistan’s Shirinjon Yuldoshova.
The Indian had got her first win of the tournament against Kyrgyzstan’s Alina Moldokulova and earned herself a place in the medal round.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Yamini Mourya had bowed down to Japan’s Mina Komiyama in the women’s 57kg bronze medal event. India’s final four Judokas, two each in men’s and women’s will be seen in action on Saturday, April 18, including Commonwealth Games medalist Tulika Maan.
Takhellambam bronze brought India’s total medal count at the individual Senior Asian Judo Championships to 16 including four silvers, and 12 bronze. India has around 18 judokas including nine men and nine women currently competing at the event which ends on Saturday. The event is being held from April 16 to 19, 2026 at the Ordos Sports Development Center Gymnasium in Ordos City, China.
Indian players results at Asian Judo Championships 2026
Takhellambam Inunganbi (Women’s 70kg): Bronze
Unnati Sharma (Women’s 63kg): Gold
