Indian Judokas Secure Unprecedented Double Gold at Glasgow 2026
Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh achieved a historic milestone by securing India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medals in judo. Both athletes overcame formidable international opponents in the 48kg and 60kg divisions respectively.
Key takeaways
- Asmita Dey won India's first women's judo gold after a golden score victory against Canada's Heidi Quach.
- Harsh Singh became the first Indian male to win Commonwealth judo gold by defeating Olympian Joshua Katz.
- The 23-year-old Harsh Singh secured his title with a waza-ari scored in the final 41 seconds of the match.
- Both historic gold medals were achieved on the same day, July 31, 2026, during the Glasgow Games.
Asmita Dey Overcomes Early Deficit in 48kg Final
India’s Asmita Dey secured a landmark victory in the Women’s 48kg category on July 31, 2026, defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach. The 23-year-old athlete from Tripura demonstrated significant resilience after an initial setback. Quach gained early control by scoring a yuko and forcing a penalty against Dey, but the Indian judoka leveled the match at 1-1 during the second half of the four-minute regulation period.
With no winner decided in regulation time, the final transitioned into a Golden Score period. Dey maintained her tactical composure during the sudden-death overtime, landing a decisive second yuko to claim the gold. This performance marked a turning point for Indian judo on the international stage, highlighting the athlete's ability to perform under high-pressure scenarios.
Harsh Singh Upsets Olympic Veteran for Men’s Title
In the Men’s 60kg division, Harsh Singh delivered a stunning upset against Australia’s Joshua Katz. Singh, also 23 and making his Commonwealth Games debut, faced a highly decorated opponent. Katz entered the match as an Olympian and multi-time Oceania Champion with a bronze medal from the 2022 Birmingham Games. Despite the Australian's pedigree and deep familial ties to the sport, Singh remained tactically disciplined throughout the four-minute bout.
The match remained scoreless until the final minute. With only 41 seconds left on the clock, Singh executed a waza-ari, the second-highest score in judo. He then transitioned to a defensive posture, successfully neutralizing Katz’s attacks for the remaining duration to secure the win. Singh's victory represents the first time an Indian male judoka has reached the top of the podium at the Commonwealth Games.
Statistical and Historical Context
- Date of Achievement: July 31, 2026.
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland.
- Indian Gold Medals: 2 (Women's 48kg and Men's 60kg).
- Key Scores: Dey won via golden score yuko; Singh won via late-match waza-ari.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
Related stories
East Bengal Dismantles CISF Protectors in Record-Breaking 8-0 Durand Cup Triumph
Tata Steel Pulls Jamshedpur FC From Indian Super League Ahead of 2026-27 Season
Indian Paddlers Seize Round of 16 Berths Amid Singaporean Resistance in New Delhi
