History Written in Glasgow: Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh Deliver India's First-Ever Commonwealth Games Judo Gold

Indian sport celebrated a landmark moment at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh etched their names into history by becoming the country's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medallists.

For decades, Indian judokas came close to the top step of the podium but never quite reached it. That changed in Glasgow, where two young athletes produced career-defining performances within hours of each other to transform the history of Indian judo forever.Their victories weren't just personal triumphs, they represented a breakthrough for an entire sport that has quietly grown in India over the past decade.

Asmita Dey Starts a Historic Day

The first golden moment came through Asmita Dey in the women's 48kg category. Facing Canada's Heidi Quach in a tense final, Asmita displayed remarkable patience and tactical awareness. Neither judoka managed to gain a decisive advantage during regulation time, forcing the contest into the Golden Score period.

With everything on the line, Asmita produced the decisive move to secure victory, becoming the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal. The emotional celebration that followed reflected not just the magnitude of the achievement but also the years of sacrifice behind it.

Harsh Singh Doubles India's Joy

Before the celebrations had even settled, Harsh Singh ensured Indian judo had another reason to smile. Competing in the men's 60kg final, the 23-year-old faced experienced Australian Joshua Katz, a multiple-time Oceania champion and former Commonwealth medallist.

Harsh remained composed throughout the contest before delivering the decisive scoring move late in the bout to seal victory. His disciplined performance made him the first Indian male judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold, completing an unforgettable day for Indian judo.

A Historic Double Gold

India had previously won silver and bronze medals in Commonwealth Games judo, but gold had always remained out of reach. That changed spectacularly in Glasgow. Within a single day, Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh ended India's long wait and delivered the country's first-ever double gold haul in Commonwealth Games judo. It was a milestone that many within the sport had dreamed about for years.

The Journey Behind the Success

Both champions arrived in Glasgow after years of hard work. Asmita Dey, who hails from Belonia in Tripura, originally trained as an 800-metre runner before discovering judo during district trials. Her talent quickly earned her a place at the Sports Authority of India, where she steadily progressed through junior and senior international competitions. Gold medals at the 2023 Junior Asia Cup and 2025 Casablanca African Open signalled that she was ready for bigger stages. Harsh Singh's rise has been equally impressive. A regular competitor on the International Judo Federation circuit, he built valuable experience through Grand Slam and Grand Prix events before making his Commonwealth Games debut. His maturity and tactical discipline in Glasgow reflected years of competing against elite international opponents.

India's Best-Ever Day in Commonwealth Judo

The celebrations did not end with two gold medals. Yamini Mourya added a silver medal in the women's 57kg category, ensuring India's finest-ever performance in Commonwealth Games judo. The results highlighted the growing depth of Indian talent across multiple weight divisions and marked one of the country's most successful days in the sport.

Recognition from Across the Country

The historic achievement quickly drew praise from across India. Sports administrators, former athletes and fans celebrated the breakthrough, recognising the importance of finally breaking India's Commonwealth Games judo gold barrier. The victories also strengthened India's overall medal tally in Glasgow and showcased the success of long-term investment in combat sports.

A New Era for Indian Judo

For years, Indian judo remained overshadowed by sports such as wrestling, boxing and badminton. Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh may have changed that narrative. Their victories have demonstrated that Indian judokas can now compete and win against the best athletes in the Commonwealth. More importantly, their success is likely to inspire a new generation of young athletes to take up the sport. With improved coaching, international exposure and stronger grassroots programmes, Indian judo appears to be entering its most promising era yet.

Final Thoughts

Every sport has a moment that changes its future. For Indian judo, that moment arrived in Glasgow when Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh climbed to the top of the Commonwealth Games podium.

Their gold medals were far more than historic firsts—they were proof that years of perseverance, investment and belief have begun to pay off. Alongside Yamini Mourya's silver, they delivered the greatest day Indian judo has ever experienced and created a legacy that future generations will aspire to surpass.