Mumbai: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, in
partnership with Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), India’s premier
high-performance Olympic programme, is helping translate India’s sporting
potential into international success through the Axis Bank Judo Development
Programme. Having supported more than 500 athletes across grassroots and
high-performance pathways, the programme has reached another significant
milestone, with four women judokas qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth
Games in Glasgow.
Yamini Mourya
(57kg) from Madhya Pradesh,
Unnati Sharma (63kg) from Uttarakhand, Ishroop Narang (78kg) from
Punjab, and Takhellambam Inunganbi (70kg) from Manipur have earned their
place in India’s Commonwealth Games squad, reflecting the impact of sustained
investment in athlete development, world-class coaching, sports science, and
international exposure. Their qualification marks
the latest milestone for a programme that is steadily building India’s next
generation of judokas. The programme has also contributed to landmark
achievements, including Linthoi Chanambam becoming India’s first-ever
World Junior Championship medallist in judo after securing bronze at the 2025
World Junior Championships in Peru.
Beyond individual milestones, the programme is helping
build a stronger and more competitive ecosystem for Indian judo. Through its
grassroots initiative in Manipur and the IIS High Performance Centre, it has
nurtured talent at multiple levels, supporting 471 young judokas and 53
elite female athletes. Athletes supported under the programme have
collectively secured more than 140 medals across state, national and
international competitions, while also benefiting from 11 international
training camps in leading judo nations such as Japan, Georgia and
Uzbekistan.
Designed as a
holistic athlete development initiative, the programme combines world-class
coaching with sports science, nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental
wellbeing support, education assistance and competition exposure. In Manipur
and the North-East, partnerships with local stakeholders, including the Manipur
Judo Association, along with mentorship from Olympian Sushila Devi, are helping
nurture promising talent. The initiative also provides athletes from
underserved and conflict-affected regions access to a safe, structured
environment for training and development.
Speaking about
the programme, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Head - Wholesale Bank
Coverage, Corporate Salary, Sustainability & CSR, Axis Bank, said, "At
Axis Bank, we believe meaningful and lasting impact is created through
long-term partnerships that empower individuals and unlock opportunities. Our
association with the Inspire Institute of Sport reflects this commitment by
helping talented athletes access world-class coaching, scientific training and
the support they need to perform at the highest level. The achievements of
these athletes, including four Commonwealth Games qualifiers, highlight the
value of sustained investment in talent development and demonstrate that
sporting excellence is achieved when potential is backed by the right ecosystem
of expertise, infrastructure and support."
Manisha Malhotra, President - Inspire
Institute of Sport, said, “The Axis Bank Judo
Development Programme was envisioned as a pathway that could support
athletes at every stage of their development journey. Over time,
the programme has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem that
combines grassroots engagement, high-performance training,
world-class coaching and sports science support. Our aim continues to
be creating equitable access to sporting excellence by empowering youth,
advancing women's participation, and building sustainable sporting ecosystems.
The outcomes we are seeing today are a testament to the dedication of the
athletes, coaches and support teams, and reinforce our belief that sustained
investment and the right environment can help Indian judokas compete successfully
on the global stage."
The initiative is
helping shape not only successful athletes but also confident young role models
within their communities. Building on this momentum, the programme aims to
expand its grassroots footprint in the North-East, support athletes on the
international stage and further strengthen India's judo ecosystem. Through this
partnership, Axis Bank and IIS remain committed to nurturing talent and
contributing to the continued growth of Indian sport.