India’s Tulika Maan wishes to change history in her country

As Tulika Maan gears up to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, she carries with her the hopes of a nation. The 25-year-old heavyweight judoka from New Delhi has already made a significant mark in the world of judo, and now she aims to elevate Indian judo to new heights. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to an Olympian is an inspiring tale of perseverance, dedication, and ambition.

Early Life and Introduction to Judo

Born in 1998, in New Delhi, Tulika Maan began her judo journey at the tender age of eight. Encouraged by her family, especially her mother, Amrita Singh, Tulika quickly developed a passion for the sport. Her early years in judo were marked by rigorous training and participation in various national and international competitions. Her dedication to judo became apparent as she started to achieve success at junior levels, including two bronze medals at the Asian Junior Championships in 2017 and 2018.

Rise to Prominence

Tulika's breakthrough came when she competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Representing India in the +78kg category, she won a silver medal, making her one of the standout performers for India at the event. Although she lost to Scotland's Sarah Adlington in the final, her performance brought her into the spotlight and highlighted her potential to compete at the highest levels.

In addition to her Commonwealth Games success, Tulika has competed in five World Championships, with her best results being ninth-place finishes in 2022 and 2024. She has also garnered two World Cup medals: a bronze at the 2019 Taipei Asian Open and a silver at the 2023 Kuwait Asian Open. These achievements underscore her consistency and skill on the international judo circuit.

Training and Support System

Tulika trains at the Delhi Academy of Fitness and Combat Sports under the guidance of coach Yashpal Solanki. Her training regimen is intense and focused, aimed at honing her skills and preparing her for the toughest competitions. She attributes much of her success to the support of her partner, Divyanshu Puri, who has been a constant source of motivation and encouragement.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of judo, Tulika is a multifaceted individual with a range of interests. She is currently a student at DDU Gorakhpur University, balancing her academic pursuits with her athletic career. Tulika is also passionate about anime and cooking, hobbies that provide her with relaxation and creative expression. She has studied animation and aspires to become a professional anime creator in the future.

Superstitions and Motivations

Like many athletes, Tulika has her own set of rituals and superstitions. She listens to the Hanuman Chalisa before tournaments, finding strength and focus in its lyrics. Her sporting philosophy, "Never lose hope," reflects her resilience and determination to overcome challenges both on and off the mat.

Ambitions and Future Goals

Tulika's ultimate ambition is to make a significant impact on Indian judo. She dreams of changing the history of the sport in her country, inspiring future generations of judokas to pursue their dreams. Her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is a step towards this goal, and she hopes to bring home a medal that will further boost the profile of judo in India.

Tulika Maan prepares to compete on the grandest stage of all, she carries with her the hopes of a nation and the aspiration to leave a lasting legacy in the world of judo.