Indian judokas have etched their names in the history books at the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a stellar performance that saw the nation clinching two gold medals in a single day. The historic run began with Asmita Dey securing the top spot on the podium, followed shortly by a dominant performance from Harsh Singh. This double victory marks a significant milestone for Indian judo on the international stage, showcasing the rising talent and technical prowess of the country athletes in this martial art discipline.
Harsh Singh Historic Gold in 60kg Category
Harsh Singh delivered a masterclass in the men 60 kg category, asserting his dominance from the very first round. In the final match, he faced Joshua Katz of Australia and secured a 10-0 victory to claim the gold medal. With this win, Harsh Singh has officially become the first Indian male judoka to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, a feat that will be remembered for years to come. His journey to the final was marked by clinical performances and tactical superiority over every opponent he faced on the mat.
The Road to Victory: Harsh Singh Matches
Harsh Singh path to the gold medal was nothing short of extraordinary, characterized by high-scoring wins. In the Round of 16, he faced Chikondi Kathevera and secured a massive 100-0 win, setting a strong tone for the rest of the tournament. Moving into the quarterfinals, he continued his winning streak by defeating Alan Montouel of Vanuatu in a one-sided encounter. The semifinal saw him go up against Australia Pedro Carlos Antun Neto, where he once again emerged victorious to secure his place in the final. His final showdown against Joshua Katz was the culmination of a flawless campaign where he didn't allow his opponent any room to maneuver, finishing with a 10-0 scoreline.
Asmita Dey Golden Triumph
Before Harsh Singh historic win, Asmita Dey provided the first golden moment for India in the 48 kg category. Her final match against Canada Heidi Quach was a closely contested affair that tested the nerves of both athletes, while the match went into the Golden Score period, where Asmita showed incredible resilience and skill to eventually overcome her opponent and secure the gold medal. This victory, combined with Harsh gold, means that for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games, India has won two gold medals in judo during a single edition.
Career Background and National Selection
Harsh Singh rise to the top is a testament to his consistent performance at the domestic level over the past few years, while he earned his spot in the Commonwealth Games squad through a rigorous national selection process, proving his mettle against the best in the country. Despite having limited international experience compared to some of his peers, Harsh has shown that he belongs on the big stage. Prior to this achievement, he finished in 7th place at the Kazakhstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026. He has also represented India at prestigious events such as the Tokyo Grand Slam, the Tashkent Grand Slam, and the Asian Senior Championship, gaining valuable experience that ultimately helped him succeed at the CWG 2026.
