Axis Bank-IIS Judo Programme Powers India's Rise with Four Commonwealth Games 2026 Qualifiers

India's growing ambitions in judo have received another major boost, with the Axis Bank Judo Development Programme, implemented in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), achieving a significant milestone ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2026. 

The programme has produced four women judokas for India's Glasgow-bound contingent while supporting more than 500 athletes through grassroots and elite development initiatives. The qualification of Yamini Mourya (57kg), Unnati Sharma (63kg), Takhellambam Inunganbi (70kg) and Ishroop Narang (78kg) highlights the growing impact of a long-term athlete development model that combines high-performance coaching, sports science, international exposure and grassroots talent identification.

Beyond the Commonwealth Games qualifiers, the programme has become one of India's most successful private-sector backed Olympic development initiatives, helping strengthen the country's judo ecosystem from the grassroots level to the international stage.

Four Judokas Earn Commonwealth Games Berths

The biggest success story of the programme this year has been the qualification of four athletes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Each athlete has progressed through a structured high-performance pathway designed to prepare India's best judokas for international competition. Their selection is a reflection of years of systematic training rather than short-term success. Supported by world-class coaching, scientific training methods and regular international competition, the quartet now carries India's hopes at one of the biggest multi-sport events on the calendar.

For Indian judo, which has traditionally struggled for consistent international representation, producing four Commonwealth Games qualifiers through a single development programme underlines the importance of sustained investment in athlete preparation.

While elite success often grabs headlines, the strength of the Axis Bank-IIS initiative lies in its broad development structure. Since its launch, the programme has supported more than 500 athletes across different stages of their sporting journeys. Its grassroots initiative in Manipur has nurtured 471 young judokas, creating opportunities for talented youngsters to receive structured coaching and competitive exposure from an early age.

At the elite level, the IIS High Performance Centre has worked with 53 female athletes, providing them access to facilities and expertise that are comparable with leading international training environments. This dual approach developing talent at the grassroots while simultaneously preparing elite athletes has helped create a sustainable pathway for Indian judo.

The programme's impact extends well beyond this year's Commonwealth Games selections. One of its most significant achievements came in 2025, when Linthoi Chanambam created history by becoming India's first-ever medallist at the World Junior Judo Championships, winning bronze in Peru.

The achievement marked a breakthrough moment for Indian judo and demonstrated that Indian athletes can compete successfully against the world's strongest nations when provided with the right support system. Collectively, athletes supported through the programme have won more than 140 medals across state, national and international competitions, showcasing consistent progress across multiple levels of competition.

Unlike traditional training programmes that focus solely on technical skills, the Axis Bank-IIS initiative follows a holistic athlete development model. Participants receive access to world-class coaching alongside comprehensive support services that include sports science, nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental wellbeing programmes, education assistance and international competition exposure. This integrated approach reflects the systems followed by leading Olympic nations, where performance is built through multidisciplinary support rather than coaching alone.

International exposure has also become a cornerstone of the programme. Athletes have participated in 11 overseas training camps, gaining valuable experience in established judo nations such as Japan, Georgia and Uzbekistan. Training alongside some of the world's best judokas has accelerated technical development while helping Indian athletes understand the standards required to compete successfully at major international events.

One of the defining features of the programme has been its focus on the North-East, particularly Manipur, a state that has consistently produced talented combat sport athletes despite facing numerous challenges. Working alongside the Manipur Judo Association and guided by Olympian Sushila Devi, the programme provides aspiring judokas with structured coaching and mentorship close to home.

Importantly, the initiative also creates opportunities for athletes from underserved and conflict-affected regions, giving them access to safe, high-quality training environments that might otherwise be unavailable. By investing in local ecosystems rather than simply identifying elite athletes, the programme is helping build a stronger foundation for Indian judo.

Axis Bank believes sustained partnerships are essential to developing sporting excellence. Speaking about the programme, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Head – Wholesale Bank Coverage, Corporate Salary, Sustainability & CSR at Axis Bank, said the success of the athletes reflects years of consistent investment in creating the right environment for talent to flourish.

He noted that access to world-class coaching, scientific training and quality infrastructure has enabled athletes to maximise their potential, with the qualification of four Commonwealth Games athletes serving as evidence of the programme's long-term impact.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/india-s-judokas-target-bigger-medal-haul-at-commonwealth-games-2026-after-birmingham-breakthrough

According to Manisha Malhotra, President of the Inspire Institute of Sport, the vision has always extended beyond producing international medals. She explained that the programme was designed to support athletes throughout every stage of their development while promoting women's participation, expanding grassroots opportunities and creating equitable access to high-performance sport.

The results now being achieved, she said, demonstrate what is possible when talented athletes are backed by sustained investment, experienced coaching and a comprehensive support network.

As Indian sport increasingly shifts towards structured, long-term athlete development, the Axis Bank-IIS Judo Development Programme offers a compelling model for other Olympic disciplines to follow. Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, the initiative has invested in grassroots talent identification, athlete welfare, scientific support and international exposure. That strategy is now producing measurable outcomes from historic world championship medals to Commonwealth Games qualification.

With four athletes set to represent India in Glasgow and hundreds more progressing through the development pathway, the programme is helping transform Indian judo from an emerging sport into one capable of consistently producing international-level competitors. As it expands its footprint across the North-East and continues investing in future talent, the partnership between Axis Bank and IIS is playing a significant role in shaping the next generation of Indian judokas and strengthening the country's Olympic ambitions.