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Inunganbi clinches Asian Championships bronze, eyes Commonwealth and Asian Games
Takhellambam Inunganbi's journey from Imphal's National Sports Academy to a bronze medal at the Asian Championships in Ordos highlights resilience through injuries and weight-class changes, fueling her Commonwealth and Asian Games ambitions. The timeline tracks her early training, international debut, and recent milestone.
Why It Matters
Her Asian Championships medal represents a milestone for Indian judo and showcases the rise of Manipuri athletes on the continental stage.
Timeline
12 Events
Bronze at Asian Championships, Ordos City, China
April 2026
At the Asian Judo Championships in Ordos City, China, Inunganbi defeated Mongolia’s Lkhagvadulam Sarantsetseg by ippon in the bronze medal match, ending India’s 13-year medal drought at the continental championships.
Gold at Amman Asian Open and national champion
2025
In 2025 she won gold at the Amman Asian Open and was the reigning national champion.
Return after six months of rehab
2025
She returned to competition after six months of rehabilitation following the 2024 knee injury.
Meniscus injury in the same knee
2024
In 2024 she sustained a meniscus injury on the same knee; she returned to action six months later.
Transitioned to senior group, began competing in 70kg weight class
2021
She transitioned into the senior group in 2021 and began competing in the 70kg class.
Return from ACL injury
2019
After about a year away due to rehab, she returned to action in 2019.
ACL tear ahead of Asian Championships
2018
In 2018 she suffered a knee ACL tear ahead of the Asian Championships, requiring surgery and causing her to be out of action for about a year.
Made India debut in judo
2017
By the end of 2017, Inunganbi had already made her India debut in judo.
Joined Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS), Bellary
2017
In 2017, she joined the Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) in Bellary.
Broke into Indian age-group team
2017
In 2017, she broke into the Indian age-group team.
Moved to SAI Training Centre (STC), Imphal
2015
In 2015 she moved to the SAI Training Centre (STC) in Imphal; two years later she broke into the Indian age-group team.
Began judo at National Sports Academy, Imphal
2011
Inunganbi began her judo journey at the National Sports Academy in Imphal about 15 years ago, accompanied by her father who supported her shift from football to combat sports.