Pokhara, 6 September | Nepal’s national judo team is preparing to compete at the 20th Asian Games with strong hopes of ending the country’s long wait for an Asian Games medal in the sport. Six Nepali judokas, including Devaki Maya Shrestha, Nisha Shrestha, Bikash Bik and Bishesh Bik, along with Sujan Gurung and Poonam Shrestha, will represent Nepal in different weight categories at the continental event.
The Nepali team has attracted particular attention because two family pairs will compete for the country. Sisters Devaki Maya Shrestha and Nisha Shrestha will travel together, while brothers Bikash Bik and Bishesh Bik are also preparing side by side for the prestigious competition. Devaki will compete in the under-52 kg category, while her younger sister Nisha will compete in the under-48 kg division.
For Devaki, the upcoming Asian Games carries a special emotional significance. At the 19th Asian Games, she competed alongside her brother Indra Bahadur Shrestha. This time, however, she will share the journey with her younger sister Nisha. Devaki says that training and sparring with her own sister gives her greater confidence and comfort than working with other partners. She has also taken responsibility for helping Nisha improve her techniques, identify weaknesses and strengthen her overall preparation.
Nisha is equally excited about representing Nepal alongside her sister. She believes that having Devaki as a training partner and mentor has helped her improve quickly. According to Nisha, her sister regularly points out mistakes and provides practical guidance on what she should and should not do during training and competition.
The sporting journey of Devaki, Nisha and their brother Indra Bahadur began under difficult circumstances. Originally from Ghumthang in Barhabise Municipality-7 of Sindhupalchok, the siblings spent part of their childhood at the Prisoners Assistance Mission in Raniban, Kathmandu, following serious family difficulties. Despite those challenges, their journey in judo has taken them from a difficult childhood to representing Nepal on the international sporting stage.
Another important family partnership in the Nepali squad is that of brothers Bikash and Bishesh Bik. Bikash initially entered judo after searching for an Olympic sport and successfully passing an open selection trial. He later encouraged his younger brother Bishesh to join the same scholarship programme. Today, they train together and support each other both technically and mentally.
Bikash, who competed at the 19th Asian Games, says his previous international experience has helped him understand the importance of focus, game planning and confidence. Both brothers have set their sights on winning gold. Bishesh considers his elder brother not only a training partner but also a mentor who patiently explains technical details whenever needed.
The remaining members of the team also carry strong ambitions. Sujan Gurung will compete in the under-90 kg category, while Poonam Shrestha will participate in the under-70 kg division. Sujan, who entered judo after joining the Nepal Army, says representing Nepal at the national level is a matter of great pride. Poonam, competing in her third Asian Games, is hopeful of achieving a better result than in previous editions.
Under the Mission 2026 preparation programme, the Nepali judo team has been training for around two and a half years and currently practises for four hours daily. Former player and coach Sunita Magar Tamrakar is leading the team’s training programme and remains optimistic about Nepal’s medal prospects.
However, limited international exposure remains a major challenge. The coach has pointed to the lack of international competitions, limited domestic tournaments and insufficient resources for foreign training as significant obstacles. Despite these limitations, Nepal’s six judokas are preparing with determination, confidence and a shared dream of delivering a historic medal-winning performance at the 20th Asian Games.
