The 2025 Asian Judo Championships are set to ignite the MCC Hall in Bangkok, Thailand from April 24 to 28, with over 295 competitors from 30 countries ready to battle for continental supremacy.
This year’s edition, part of the IJF World Tour, promises high-octane action across five days, concluding with the much-anticipated Mixed Team event on April 28.
Historic Prestige, Modern Stakes
The Asian Judo Championships have long been a proving ground for Asia’s best judokas. First held for men in 1966 and introduced for women in 1981, the championships were once staged every four years but shifted to an annual format post-1991—except during Asian Games years.
The event has grown significantly in competitiveness and stature, with nations like Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea traditionally dominating the medal table.
At the previous edition, Japan 🇯🇵 asserted its judo dominance with 8 golds, 2 silvers, and 4 bronze medals. Mongolia 🇲🇳 and South Korea 🇰🇷 followed with 3 and 2 golds respectively.
These nations will again be formidable, but there’s a quiet buzz around India’s campaign this time—especially with a balanced squad and a few key names who have shown real potential on the international stage.
India’s History and 2025 Squad
India has never quite broken into the upper echelons of Asian Judo, with its best moments being a total haul of 4 silver and 11 bronze medals historically. The country hosted the Championships once—in 1995—but a gold medal has remained elusive.
That might just change this year, or at the very least, Indian judokas are poised to rattle the podium finishers. The 2025 squad consists of a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent.
Among the 14-member Indian contingent (7 men and 7 women), familiar names return, such as Garvit, Yash Vijayran, and Rohit Ahlawat in the men’s side, while the women’s squad boasts names like Asmita Dey, Himanshi Tokas, and Ishroop Narang.
But all eyes will be on Tulika Maan, the country’s heavyweight judoka in the +78kg category.
Spotlight on Tulika Maan
A two-time Commonwealth Games medallist and the most experienced player on this Indian squad, Tulika enters Bangkok with high hopes. Having narrowly missed out on a podium finish at past major events including the Asian Championships, Tulika is eager to rewrite the narrative.
Her path won’t be easy. The women’s heavyweight division in Asia is stacked with judokas from Japan, China, and Mongolia—nations that regularly feature in World Championships and Olympic podiums. However, Tulika has been steadily climbing the ranks. Her recent outings at IJF World Tour events have shown improvement in both her grip work and transition speed.
She’s also benefited from overseas training stints, including one earlier this year in Georgia, where she sparred with Olympic-level athletes. What sets Tulika apart is her calm temperament under pressure, and a powerful osoto-gari that has caught several high-ranked opponents off guard.
A podium finish in Bangkok will not only be historic but could boost her Olympic qualification pathway as well.
Names to Watch Beyond Tulika
Other names to watch include:
- Garvit Garvit (-73kg): One of the most consistent Indian men’s judokas in recent times, Garvit is a gritty performer and has posted credible wins at continental events.
- Asmita Dey (-48kg): A bronze medallist at the South Asian Games, Dey brings flair and technical finesse.
- Yash Vijayran (-100kg): Tall, athletic, and aggressive on the mat, he’s one to watch against Central Asian judokas.
- Shraddha Chopade (-52kg) and Himanshi Tokas (-57kg): These two bring much-needed depth to India’s women’s middleweight lineup.
The Bigger Picture
With 168 men and 127 women competing across 14 weight categories, the 2025 Asian Championships are more than just a medal hunt—they’re a vital step toward Olympic qualification and global ranking improvement. The final day’s Mixed Team event, which mirrors the Olympic format, is particularly significant. It tests not just individual brilliance but team chemistry, strategy, and bench strength.
For India, traditionally not seen as a judo powerhouse, this championship is a golden chance to punch above their weight. The squad is youthful, ambitious, and ready to challenge Asia’s elite. And with Tulika Maan leading from the front, Indian judo fans have every reason to be hopeful.
Can India break new ground in Bangkok? We’ll find out starting April 24.
