Punjab Newsline | Glasgow

Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 proved to be a landmark event for Indian judo as the country achieved an unprecedented feat by winning two gold medals and one silver medal in a single edition of the Games.

India had not won a single judo gold medal in the Commonwealth Games from 1990 to 2022. That long wait ended dramatically when Asmita Dey captured the women’s 48kg title, securing India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo.

Just minutes later, 23-year-old Harsh Singh added another golden chapter by defeating Australia’s top-seeded Joshua Katz in the men’s 60kg final. With this victory, Harsh became the first Indian male judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Adding to the historic day, Yamini Maurya won the silver medal in the women’s 57kg category, making it India’s most successful Commonwealth Games campaign in judo history.

Asmita Dey’s Golden Performance

Asmita Dey displayed aggressive and confident judo throughout the tournament. In the final, she took control from the very beginning, executing a superb hip throw to gain the advantage.

She then transitioned smoothly into ground hold, maintaining complete control over her opponent on the mat for the required duration. Her dominant hold earned an ippon, sealing a memorable victory and making her the first Indian judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold.

Harsh Singh Scripts History

Harsh Singh impressed with a perfect blend of composure and attacking intent during the competition.

  • Opening Round: Defeated Malawi’s Chikondi Kathevera by ippon.

  • Quarter-final: Advanced comfortably to the semi-finals.

  • Semi-final: Beat Australia’s Pedro Carlos Antun Neto with a decisive waza-ari.

In the final against Joshua Katz, both players engaged in a prolonged tactical kumi-kata (grip-fighting) battle. With less than a minute remaining, Harsh anticipated Katz’s forward movement and executed a brilliant Tai-otoshi throw.

The move earned him a decisive waza-ari, and he successfully protected the lead for the remainder of the bout to register a 10-0 victory, becoming the first Indian man to win Commonwealth Games gold in judo.

India’s Judo Medal Winners at Glasgow 2026

Athlete Category Medal

Asmita Dey Women’s 48kg Gold

Harsh Singh Men’s 60kg Gold

Yamini Maurya Women’s 57kg Silver

A Milestone for Indian Judo

The double-gold triumph marks a turning point for Indian judo on the international stage. From having no Commonwealth judo gold medals for more than three decades, India has now produced both its first female and first male Commonwealth Games judo champions on the same day, signalling a new era of promise and achievement for the sport in the country.