Indian judo has long existed in the shadow of better-funded sports. That changed when 22-year-old Himanshi Tokas reached the top of the International Judo Federation rankings, a feat no Indian has ever achieved before.
A Historic Milestone for Indian Judo
The International Judo Federation (IJF) confirmed that Himanshi Tokas has climbed to the No. 1 spot in her weight category, making her the first Indian judoka to hold the world’s top ranking. India, a country that imports nearly all its sporting heroes from cricket, wrestling, or badminton, has rarely seen judo in the spotlight. Tokas’s achievement signals both a personal breakthrough and a new chapter for the sport in the country.
The Journey to the Summit
Tokas’s rise is the product of years of hard work, beginning when she first took up judo as a teenager. Training under modest conditions, she gradually advanced through national championships before earning her place on the international circuit. Over the past two years, she has accumulated ranking points with consistent podium finishes at IJF World Tour events, continental championships, and World Cups. Coaches attribute her success to technical discipline, sharp mat awareness, and mental toughness that allows her to withstand pressure in high-stakes matches.
Implications for Indian Sport
Tokas’s historic No. 1 ranking carries implications beyond individual recognition. The Judo Federation of India has hailed it as a turning point, hoping it will inspire a generation of athletes to consider judo as a viable career. Her achievement also puts her firmly in contention for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where India has never medaled in the sport. Sports officials believe her visibility could unlock greater government funding, corporate sponsorships, and grassroots training initiatives—essentials for a sport long underfunded compared to cricket or wrestling.
