A landmark moment for Indian judo as 20-year-old Himanshi Tokas climbs to the top of the junior world rankings, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Indian sports is going through a quiet revolution. Away from the noise of cricket stadiums and the glamour of mainstream sports, young athletes in disciplines like wrestling, boxing, and athletics have begun making global waves. Adding her name to this growing list of trailblazers is Himanshi Tokas, a 20-year-old judoka who has created history by becoming the first Indian to secure the World No.1 spot in the junior women’s 63kg category.
This extraordinary achievement was confirmed after the International Judo Federation (IJF) released its latest World Junior Rankings, where Himanshi topped the charts with 610 points, climbing three places to the pinnacle. Her rise comes on the back of a series of impressive victories, including a gold medal at the Asian Junior Championships 2025 held on September 13.
This milestone not only reflects Himanshi’s personal excellence but also represents a wider breakthrough for Indian judo on the global stage.
Himanshi Tokas: The Journey to World No.1
Every success story has its roots in determination, resilience, and countless hours of preparation. For Himanshi Tokas, the path to the top has been marked by grit and perseverance.
Early Beginnings: Born and raised in Delhi, Himanshi first discovered judo during her school days. Unlike cricket or badminton, judo did not offer fame or financial security in India, but she embraced it wholeheartedly.
Training Hurdles: Limited infrastructure and lack of awareness about the sport posed early challenges. Yet, her commitment to the sport kept her motivated.
Eye Injury Setback: At one point, Himanshi suffered a serious eye injury that threatened to halt her journey. But she fought her way back, symbolizing the resilience that defines her career.
Support System: With her mother’s encouragement and the guidance of coach Yashpal Solanki, Himanshi’s technical and mental game matured. Later, support from the Reliance Foundation became crucial, ensuring she had access to facilities, nutrition, and international exposure.
Today, these struggles make her No.1 ranking even more inspiring.
A Golden 2025: Victories That Defined Her Year
Himanshi Tokas’ climb to the top has been built on consistent wins in high-pressure environments. Here’s a look at the milestones of 2025:
1. Casablanca African Open (January 2025):
Himanshi began her year with a bang, securing gold at this prestigious competition, proving she could compete beyond Asia.
2. Taipei Junior Asian Cup (July 2025):
Another gold medal reinforced her growing dominance and added valuable ranking points.
3. Asian Junior Championships (September 2025):
The crowning moment of her season. By winning this continental title, Himanshi climbed three spots in the rankings to become World No.1. This marked her third gold medal of the year.
4. Other Titles:
In total, she has collected five gold medals from different international events, including a Continental Championship, three Continental Cups, and one Continental Open Championship.
Such consistency across varied tournaments reflects her maturity and ability to perform under pressure.
Shahin Darjada Joins the Elite Club
While Himanshi’s achievement takes the headlines, another Indian judoka has quietly made her own mark. Shahin Rajakbhai Darjada has climbed to World No.4 in the junior women’s 57kg category.
This marks the first time ever that two Indian judokas have simultaneously been ranked within the top five of their respective categories. Together, Himanshi and Shahin symbolize the emergence of a new generation of Indian judo stars.
The Significance of the No.1 Ranking
Himanshi Tokas becoming World No.1 carries immense symbolic and practical value:
First Indian Ever: She is the first Indian judoka, male or female, to achieve this position in junior world rankings.
Global Recognition: Her achievement puts India on the global judo map, a sport traditionally dominated by Japan, France, Russia, and Korea.
Inspiration for Youth: For countless young athletes training in small judo academies across India, Himanshi’s rise proves that global excellence is possible.
Institutional Validation: Support systems like the Reliance Foundation, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and National Centre of Excellence, Bhopal—where she trained—now have tangible proof of their impact.
The Senior Challenge: Climbing the Next Mountain
While she sits atop the junior rankings, the senior circuit presents a tougher battlefield. Currently, Himanshi is ranked 61st in the women’s 63kg senior world rankings, with 611 points.
This is not unusual. Transitioning from junior dominance to senior success requires adaptation:
Opponents are stronger, more experienced, and tactically sharper.
Senior tournaments carry higher pressure and global exposure.
Fitness, recovery, and mental resilience become even more important.
Yet, Himanshi’s steady rise shows promise. With continued training, exposure, and support, her journey into senior judo could replicate her junior success in the near future.
How Support Shaped Her Journey
Behind every champion lies a network of support. Himanshi Tokas’ success is a testament to:
Reliance Foundation: Provided crucial funding, training support, and exposure opportunities.
Sports Authority of India (SAI): Through the National Centre of Excellence in Bhopal, she accessed world-class coaching and facilities.
Coaches: Mentors like Yashpal Solanki have shaped her tactical and technical skills.
Family Support: Her mother’s belief in her dream played a decisive role during difficult times.
This ecosystem highlights how investments in athletes can yield historic milestones.
India’s Growing Footprint in World Judo
Himanshi’s No.1 ranking is not an isolated case—it represents the gradual rise of India in global judo:
Grassroots Programs: Initiatives like Khelo India Youth Games are bringing more youngsters into Olympic sports.
Global Exposure: Indian athletes now travel more frequently for training and tournaments abroad.
Women’s Sports Momentum: From wrestling and boxing to judo, Indian women athletes are increasingly challenging traditional hierarchies.
With Shahin Darjada and Himanshi Tokas both in the top five, India’s future in the sport looks brighter than ever.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Even as celebrations continue, challenges remain:
1. Bridging Junior-Senior Gap: Himanshi’s ultimate test will be replicating her junior success at the senior level, including World Championships and Olympics.
2. Injury Management: A full calendar and intense training increase the risk of injuries.
3. Financial Sustainability: International exposure is expensive. Sustained funding will be crucial.
4. Pressure of Expectations: Being World No.1 brings fame, but also pressure to perform consistently.
How she navigates these challenges will define her long-term legacy.
What Experts Are Saying
Sports experts believe Himanshi’s achievement is a watershed moment:
“This is history for Indian judo. For the first time, a young Indian has shown that we can lead the world rankings. The next step is translating it into Olympic success.” — Senior Judo Coach
“Himanshi’s journey shows what proper support systems can do. Reliance Foundation and SAI must be credited for investing in her potential.” — Sports Analyst
“Young girls in India will now look at judo as a career. This is bigger than just one medal or one ranking.” — Women in Sports Advocate
The Bigger Picture: A Turning Point for Indian Sports
Himanshi Tokas’ rise is not just about judo—it is about India’s changing sporting culture:
Diversification Beyond Cricket: Achievements like this prove that global dominance is possible in sports other than cricket.
Empowerment Through Sports: Himanshi’s journey inspires young women to pursue dreams fearlessly.
Policy Push: Her success will likely encourage more investments in judo training centres, infrastructure, and exposure programs.
Looking Ahead: Olympic Dreams
For Himanshi, the next few years will be crucial. Her goals will likely include:
Breaking into the senior Top 20 rankings.
Securing podium finishes in senior Continental Championships and World Judo Tour events.
Qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a top contender.
Given her trajectory, the dream no longer feels distant.
Himanshi Tokas’ journey from Delhi’s modest judo mats to the World No.1 ranking is a story of determination, resilience, and hope. At just 20, she has already inscribed her name in India’s sporting history.
Her success is not just her own—it belongs to the countless young athletes inspired by her, the institutions that nurtured her, and a country that is beginning to dream bigger in Olympic sports.
From here, the road will only get tougher. But if her 2025 season is any indication, Himanshi Tokas is ready for the challenge. For Indian judo, this is not the end of a story—it is the beginning of a new chapter.
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