Picture a seven-year-old girl from Manipur, stepping onto the judo mat under her uncle’s watchful eye—that was Sushila Devi Likmabam in 2002 at Khuman Lampak. Born February 1, 1995, in Imphal’s Heingang Mayei Leikai, her uncle Likmabam Dinith ignited a passion that would defy odds.
Training intensified at SAI Manipur (2007-2010) and later Patiala. Yet, reality bit hard: a private-sector father meant no funds for events or balanced meals. Sushila often trained on empty stomachs, borrowing for bus fares to tournaments. Her breakthrough? SAI facilities and aid that let her focus purely on judo.
Global spotlight hit in 2014: silver at Glasgow Commonwealth Games (48kg). Triumphs piled on—2019 South Asian Games gold, 2018-19 Hong Kong Asia Open silvers. She qualified solo for India’s judo at Tokyo 2020, bowing out early but gaining invaluable experience. Silver again in 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Sushila’s arc from scarcity to silverware captivates. As India dreams of her gold-medal future, her legacy urges investment in grassroots talent, transforming personal battles into national pride.