Who are Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh? The duo behind India's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo golds

Their victories came within minutes of each other, giving India an unprecedented double-gold haul in the sport at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Asmita Dey's historic triumph (Women's -48kg)

Asmita Dey defeated Canada's Heidi Quach (2-1) in a gripping women's 48kg final.

The contest remained deadlocked in regulation time, forcing the match into the Golden Score period, where the first decisive score determines the winner.

Displaying remarkable composure and tactical discipline, Asmita secured the decisive score to clinch the gold, becoming the first Indian judoka—male or female—to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

The victory was particularly emotional as it came just months after the death of her father. Overcome with emotion after the medal ceremony, Asmita dedicated the gold to him, her coach and everyone who supported her through one of the toughest phases of her life.

Harsh Singh's landmark victory (Men's -60kg)

Minutes after Asmita's triumph, Harsh Singh added another chapter to Indian judo history by defeating Australia's Joshua Katz, an Olympian and multiple-time Oceania champion, in the men's 60kg final (10-0).

The bout remained a tactical battle, with neither judoka able to score for most of the contest.

With just 41 seconds remaining, Harsh executed a decisive move to earn a Waza-ari, taking the lead and holding on until the final buzzer to secure the gold.

The victory made him the first Indian male judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal and completed India's historic double-gold haul in judo.

Who is Asmita Dey?

Asmita Dey, 23, hails from Belonia in South Tripura. She initially trained as an 800m runner before switching to judo after being identified during district trials.

She trains at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre in Bhopal under coach Yashpal Solanki and is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Before her Commonwealth Games triumph, Asmita won gold at the 2023 Junior Asia Cup and the 2025 Casablanca African Open, besides claiming multiple titles at the Khelo India University Games.

Her historic gold in Glasgow came just seven months after the loss of her father, making the achievement even more poignant.

Who is Harsh Singh?

Harsh Singh, also 23, became the first Indian male judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Competing in the men's 60kg category, he defeated Australia's Joshua Katz with a decisive Waza-ari in the closing moments of the final.

Harsh made his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow and has previously represented India on the International Judo Federation (IJF) circuit, including Grand Slam and Grand Prix events.

After his victory, he dedicated the gold medal to his mother.

Why these wins matter

Before Glasgow 2026, India had won 11 Commonwealth Games medals in judo—five silver and six bronze—but had never captured a gold.

Asmita and Harsh ended that long wait on the same day, marking a watershed moment for Indian judo. Adding to the celebrations, Yamini Mourya won silver in the women's 57kg category, making it India's most successful Commonwealth Games campaign in the sport to date.