New Delhi, July 22, 2026: Axis Bank, in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), has announced a new milestone under the Axis Bank Judo Development Programme, with four women judokas qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The programme has supported more than 500 athletes through grassroots and high-performance training initiatives.
The Commonwealth Games qualifiers are Yamini Mourya (57kg) from Madhya Pradesh, Unnati Sharma (63kg) from Uttarakhand, Ishroop Narang (78kg) from Punjab and Takhellambam Inunganbi (70kg) from Manipur. Their qualification follows sustained support through coaching, sports science, international exposure and athlete development.
The programme has also contributed to other achievements, including Linthoi Chanambam becoming India's first World Junior Championship medallist in judo after winning bronze at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Peru.
According to Axis Bank and IIS, the initiative has supported 471 young judokas through grassroots programmes and 53 elite female athletes at the IIS High Performance Centre. Athletes under the programme have collectively won more than 140 medals at state, national and international competitions and participated in 11 international training camps across countries including Japan, Georgia and Uzbekistan.
The programme combines coaching with sports science, nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental wellbeing support, education assistance and international competition exposure. In Manipur and the North-East, it is implemented in partnership with local stakeholders, including the Manipur Judo Association, with mentorship from Olympian Sushila Devi.
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.”
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