India's judo contingent produced one of its greatest-ever performances at the Commonwealth Games 2026, with Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh becoming the country's first-ever judo gold medallists at the Games. Their historic triumphs ended a 36-year wait for the top podium finish, while Yamini Mourya added a silver medal to complete India's finest campaign in Commonwealth Games judo history.
Until Glasgow 2026, India had won 11 Commonwealth Games judo medals—five silvers and six bronzes—but never a gold since the sport was introduced in 1990.
Asmita Dey Ends India's Long Wait for Judo Gold
Competing in the women's 48kg category, 23-year-old Asmita Dey scripted history with a remarkable comeback victory over Canada's Heidi Quach in the final.
After conceding an early score and receiving a penalty during regulation time, Asmita fought back brilliantly to level the contest before forcing the match into Golden Score.
She then produced a decisive attack near the edge of the mat to secure the winning score and seal a memorable 2-1 victory, earning India's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medal.
An Emotional Victory Dedicated to Her Father
Asmita's triumph carried deep personal significance.
Seven months before the Games, she lost her father, a bicycle mechanic from Tripura who had supported her judo dreams despite severe financial hardships. His passing nearly forced her to quit the sport.
It was her mother's encouragement that convinced her to continue training.
Following the victory, Asmita admitted she had struggled with anxiety and sleepless nights before the competition but remained determined to fulfill her father's dream.
Harsh Singh Delivers Historic Golden Double
Soon after Asmita's triumph, Harsh Singh ensured India celebrated a historic double gold by winning the men's 60kg category.
Facing experienced Australian judoka and Olympian Joshua Katz, Harsh displayed exceptional tactical discipline throughout the contest.
With just 41 seconds remaining, the Indian judoka executed a brilliant waza-ari, before defending his lead until the final whistle to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
The victory made Harsh India's first-ever male Commonwealth Games judo champion.
After the match, Harsh dedicated his gold medal to his mother and described hearing the Indian national anthem as one of the proudest moments of his life.
Yamini Mourya Adds Silver
India nearly completed a clean sweep of gold medals as Yamini Mourya advanced to the women's 57kg final.
The Indian judoka battled England's Acelya Toprak in a gripping contest that lasted over seven minutes, including Golden Score.
After an evenly fought match, Yamini received her third penalty for passivity during extra time, resulting in disqualification and a silver medal.
Despite missing gold, her performance further strengthened India's historic judo campaign.
India's Best-Ever Commonwealth Games Judo Campaign
The Glasgow Games have become the most successful Commonwealth Games ever for Indian judo.
The breakthrough victories of Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh have finally broken a barrier that stood for more than three decades, while Yamini Mourya's silver highlighted the growing strength of Indian judokas on the international stage.
With more Indian judokas still competing, including Unnati Sharma and Karanjit Singh Mann, India remains hopeful of adding more medals before the competition concludes.
FAQs
Who won India's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold?
Asmita Dey became India's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medallist in the women's 48kg category, while Harsh Singh followed shortly after with gold in the men's 60kg event.
Which medal did Yamini Mourya win?
Yamini Mourya won the silver medal in the women's 57kg category.
Why was Asmita Dey's victory emotional?
Asmita dedicated her historic gold medal to her late father, who supported her sporting journey despite financial hardships and passed away seven months before the Games.
Who did Harsh Singh defeat in the final?
Harsh Singh defeated Australian Olympian Joshua Katz to win the men's 60kg gold medal.
How many judo gold medals has India won at the Commonwealth Games?
Before Glasgow 2026, India had never won a Commonwealth Games judo gold. Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh became the country's first-ever judo champions at the Games.
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