Judoka Himanshi Tokas, 20, is cresting a wave of euphoria having recently ascended to the World No. 1 rank in the 63kg junior category after winning four gold medals this year (Casablanca Junior African Cup, Casablanca African Open, Taipei Junior Asian Cup, and Asian Junior Championships). However, her journey to the top has been far from easy.

Uncle’s judo connection

Hailing from the village of Munirka in south Delhi, Tokas was encouraged to take up the sport at the age of six by her uncle, who had also played judo at the local level. However, she soon faced her first hurdle in the form of misogynistic comments from neighbours and relatives who would question her family saying things like, “She’s a girl. Why are you sending her alone to train? What will she achieve?”