Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh won gold medals in judo at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking a historic first for India [1].
These victories represent a significant milestone for Indian sports, as no judoka from the country had previously secured a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games [1]. The double-gold achievement signals the growing competitiveness of judo within India's national sporting program [2].
The wins occurred on Day nine of the Games, which fell on Friday [4]. Singh's victory is particularly notable as he became the first Indian male judoka to win a gold medal in the competition's history [3].
India's performance on the ninth day was productive. The nation secured a total of six medals during the day's events [5]. This surge contributed to India's overall standings in the competition, bringing the country's total medal tally to 23 after Day nine [5].
In addition to the gold medals won by Dey and Singh, the Indian judo contingent saw further success with Yamini Mourya winning a silver medal [2]. The combined efforts of these athletes have placed Indian judo in a new era of international visibility.
India won two gold medals in judo during the event [1]. The success in Glasgow reflects a broader trend of diversification in the medals India earns at the Commonwealth Games, moving beyond traditional strengths in wrestling, and weightlifting.
“Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh became the first Indian judokas to win gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games”
The breakthrough in Glasgow indicates that India's investment in combat sports is expanding beyond traditional disciplines. By securing the first-ever judo golds for the nation, Dey and Singh have established a precedent that may drive increased funding and grassroots interest in judo across India, potentially shifting the country's athletic focus toward more diverse martial arts on the global stage.
