Asmita Dey Credits CWG 2026 Success For Judo’s Growing Popularity In India

Indian judoka Asmita Dey has expressed hope that judo will gain greater popularity in India after the country's successful campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the contingent secured a historic four-medal haul. Asmita said the performances would help increase awareness about the sport and encourage more young athletes to pursue judo. Asmita created history by winning the women’s -48kg gold medal after defeating Canada's Heidi Quach in a closely contested final. The bout went into Golden Score, a sudden-death overtime format used in judo when the scores are level after regular time.

Asmita held her nerve during the decisive phase to secure victory and claim India's first judo gold medal of the Games. Reflecting on her achievement, Asmita said the success of the Indian judo team at the Commonwealth Games could prove to be a turning point for the sport in the country. She highlighted that winning multiple medals on a major international stage would help bring more attention to judo, which has traditionally received less recognition compared to some other Indian sports. India's judo campaign in Glasgow turned out to be a landmark performance, with the team winning four medals across different categories.

Apart from Asmita's gold medal, Harsh Singh also secured a gold medal, while Yamini Mourya won a silver medal and Unnati Sharma claimed a bronze medal. The results marked one of India's most successful outings in judo at the Commonwealth Games. Asmita's victory was particularly significant as it demonstrated India's growing competitiveness in a sport that demands a combination of physical strength, technical skill, discipline, and mental resilience. Her performance against experienced international opponents showcased the progress made by Indian judokas through improved training systems and increased exposure to global competitions. The athlete said such achievements can motivate young athletes across the country to take up judo as a serious sporting career.

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She believes that increased visibility through international success can help attract more participants, improve grassroots development, and create stronger pathways for future champions. Judo has been part of India's sporting landscape for several years, with athletes competing at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic events. However, the sport has often struggled for widespread popularity compared to cricket and other established disciplines. Performances like India's medal-winning campaign in Glasgow could help change public perception and encourage greater investment in training and infrastructure.

The Commonwealth Games success comes as Indian athletes continue to expand their presence across a wider range of sports on international platforms. With young athletes like Asmita achieving major milestones, Indian judo officials and supporters hope the sport will receive greater recognition and produce more world-class competitors in the years ahead. Asmita's gold medal not only added to India's medal tally but also provided a significant boost to the future of judo in the country. The historic achievement has strengthened hopes that the sport can build a larger following and inspire a new generation of Indian judokas.

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