![\"From](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132775185,imgsize-356519,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/vhjl-61.jpg\" "\\"Inunganbi")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nMore than a decade ago, Inunganbi Takhellambam would spend nearly three days travelling to age-group national competitions without a reserved train berth, often sitting on the floor beside the washrooms.Along with fellow judokas from Manipur, she would first travel to Dimapur before boarding a train to Kolkata. From there, another train would take them to competition venues across the country, often after another two days on the rails.Those arduous journeys are never far from her mind as she prepares for the biggest competition of her career \u2014 Commonwealth Games.\u201cI felt extremely excited when I realised I had qualified. It is my first-ever Commonwealth Games, and I felt all my hard work and efforts had finally paid off,\u201d the 22-year-old, who will compete in the women\u2019s 70kg category on Saturday, told TOI.The Manipuri judoka heads to Glasgow carrying the confidence of becoming the first Indian in 13 years to win a medal at Asian Judo Championships. Yet, she is careful not to get carried away.\u201cWinning the bronze at Asian Championships gave me a lot of confidence because it came after such a long gap for India. But the Commonwealth Games will be a different challenge. I want to stay focused, work harder and give my best on the competition day,\u201d she said.The past year, however, tested her resilience. In June 2024, Inunganbi underwent an arthroscopic medial meniscectomy following a knee injury. The rehabilitation that followed delayed her return to competition, but with the support of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), where she trains under coach Baye Diawara, she fought her way back after overcoming yet another injury setback, having also suffered one in 2018.She has since stepped up her preparations, including a training stint in France.\u201cMy preparation has been different this time. I am currently training at ASJJ Judo Club, Paris, and have been working on my fitness, technique and tactical preparation,\u201d she said.Inunganbi also likes to study the draw before competitions to understand her opponents\u2019 strengths. \u201cI like to know about my opponents beforehand because it helps me understand their playing style. But once the competition starts, I focus on one bout at a time,\u201d she said.The memories of those early train journeys, however, continue to drive her.\u201cI still remember the difficulties I faced when I started judo. Those memories remind me of how far I have come. They motivate me to fight hard and never give up,\u201d she added.The Asian bronze which she won in Ordos, China, in April, has brought recognition and heightened expectations, something she embraces rather than fears.\u201cI have gained more recognition, and the medal gave both my coach and me the belief that the work we are doing is paying off. But my goals are much bigger,\u201d she said. \u201cExpectations have increased, but I see them as motivation rather than pressure. I trust my preparation and my goal is always to give my best on the mat.\u201dAmong the competitors she is keen to test herself against is Australia\u2019s Aoife Coughlan, the current world No. 2 and former world No. 1 in her weight category.For someone who once spent days travelling across the country without a reserved train seat, however, the journey has always been about taking one step \u2014 or one bout \u2014 at a time.<\/div>\n