Paris 2024: Tulika Maan - India's Judo Soloist Targets Quarterfinals in Debut Olympics

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New Delhi, Jul 17: Tulika Maan, the 25-year-old judoka from Delhi, has secured a spot for India in the Paris Olympics 2024 in the women's +78kg category.

Having bagged a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, Tulika earned the continental quota by accumulating 1345 points between June 22, 2022, and June 23, 2024, finishing 36th in the standings. Paris 2024 Special Page

She will be the lone Indian judoka at the Olympics this summer, playing her first match on August 2. In an exclusive interview with myKhel, Tulika shared insights into her journey, goals, challenges, and more. Here are the excerpts.

Q. Can you share details about your journey to the Paris Olympics 2024 and how you have focused on your preparation?

Tulika: The Commonwealth Games (CWG) were pivotal for me. It was a time when people began to notice and acknowledge me. The National Games also marked a turning point. Overcoming mistakes and battling injuries mentally and physically was tough. I trained hard to overcome these challenges, and it paid off. Now, I'm heading to the Olympics.

Q. What are your goals and expectations for the Paris Olympics?

Tulika: I aim to avoid the mistakes I made during the CWG and National Games, and I'm practising hard for that. We plan to tackle the initial rounds and reach the quarter-finals. I will be training in Valencia (Spain) before leaving for Paris on July 26.

Q. What is your perspective on the importance of both physical and mental well-being for Judo?

Tulika: Mental health is crucial for dealing with anxiety. During my injury, I had to manage pain, stress, and maintain my training and rehabilitation. Staying calm, patient, and trusting my journey required mental stability. Physically, I had to work on my recovery, training different parts of my body when others were injured. My coach's core values helped me overcome both physical pain and mental stress.

Q. What is the most challenging part of your journey to the Olympics?

Tulika: The most challenging part was during a tournament in Uzbekistan where I fell ill due to the cold weather. I had to fight while being unconscious with a headache and cold, but I won and qualified for the Olympics.

Q. Advice you would like to give to young athletes with disabilities who aspire to compete at the Ol/ympics.

Tulika: Trust your journey, work hard, be patient, and dedicate yourself to your goals.

Q. Who inspired you to be a Judoka?

Tulika: I joined Judo in the 4th grade to spend time usefully after school instead of staying home alone. That's how my journey started, and today I am here.

Q. Do you come from a sports background? Any struggle you want to highlight from your career?

Tulika: I don't come from a sports background. I started Judo to utilize my time as my mom suggested. The struggle was when my mom had to meet my expenses for international tournaments without any sponsorship. She was patient and continuously supported my journey.

Q. What are your educational qualifications? Do you want to pursue your studies further?

Tulika: I have completed my Master's in English and have no plans for further education.

Q. When was your first overseas trip, and did anything interesting or funny happen abroad?

Tulika: My first overseas trip was to Hong Kong in 2017. I ate a lot of sushi, which I love, and ended up with food poisoning. It was my first international tournament, and there was a ticking feeling before the fight.

Q. What impact do you think you are making in your community or neighbourhood?

Tulika: I may not be making a significant impact, but everyone is proud of me and supports me for the Olympics.

Q. Can you discuss your partnership with Evocus and how their products have contributed to your training and performance?

Tulika: Evocus Hydration I.V. has been a game-changer. Naturally sweetened, it helps reduce post-workout fatigue and aids muscle recovery. It's a guilt-free, fizz-free drink mix enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. It keeps me hydrated during training and allows me to train hard without dehydration.