In September 2025, 20-year-old Himanshi Tokas achieved a remarkable milestone for Indian judo. The Reliance Foundation athlete was officially ranked World No. 1 in the Junior Women’s 63 kg category by the International Judo Federation (IJF) following her stellar victory at the Asian Junior Championships
This is the first time an Indian judoka has secured the top spot in any junior world ranking. It stands as a commendable feat, particularly for a country that is still working to build its presence and history in the upper echelons of the sport
A foundation built on consistency
Tokas’s ranking was not the result of a single event but the capstone of a highly consistent 2025 season. She methodically climbed to the top of the leaderboard, securing 610 points through a string of strong performances
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Her key victories included earning gold medals at the Asian Junior Championships, the Casablanca African Open, and the Taipei Junior Asian Cup. These wins demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure on the international junior circuit
The journey and support system
Like many athletes, Tokas's journey began in local academies, specifically in her home neighbourhood of Munirka, South Delhi. Leaping the national circuit to compete internationally, however, requires a significant increase in resources, exposure, and specialised training.
This is where Reliance Foundation's support proved crucial. By providing a structured pathway, RFYS offered access to advanced coaching, performance analysis, nutritional guidance, and the necessary opportunities to compete against world-class junior opponents. This support was instrumental in helping her bridge the gap between domestic potential and the demands of the global stage.
Long road ahead
Himanshi’s achievement is a significant and encouraging step, but it is also the beginning of what will be a long and testing journey. Success at the junior level is a promising indicator, but the transition to the senior circuit is a notoriously difficult challenge in any sport, especially judo.
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The jump involves a major increase in physicality, strategic depth, and the sheer level of competition. Her World No. 1 junior ranking provides a strong foundation and a vote of confidence, but the hard work of translating that potential into consistent senior-level performance is the real test that still lies ahead.
For now, Himanshi Tokas's accomplishment is a milestone to be acknowledged. It brings positive attention to the sport of judo in India and shows what is possible when talent is combined with a structured development programme. As she prepares to make her mark among the seniors, she has a solid foundation and the continued backing of the Reliance Foundation for the challenging road to come.