FPJ Exclusive | From Sacrifices To Glory: Harsh Singh Reveals The Story Behind India's Historic CWG Judo Gold, Says 'This Is Just The Beginning'

Harsh Singh etched his name in Indian sporting history as he became the first male judoka from India to clinch a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The 60kg category proved to be his decisive battleground, where he demonstrated unparalleled skill and determination, defeating Australia's Joshua Katz with an emphatic 10-0 scoreline.

In a candid interview with The Free Press Journal, Singh shared the profound significance of this achievement for both himself and Indian judo. "It means a lot not just personally, but for Indian judo as well," Singh remarked. "This victory is a proud moment, but I also see it as the beginning of something bigger. I hope my success can inspire the next generation of judo athletes in India and demonstrate that our sport has the potential to compete and triumph at the highest levels."

The emotions of victory were overwhelming for Singh, a mixture of relief, happiness, pride, and gratitude. "The moment the final ended, I felt a whirlwind of feelings," he explained. "So much of my journey - years of training, sacrifices, injuries, moments of doubt - all came flooding back. But I knew I wasn't alone in this. There were countless individuals who supported me and believed in me, and I felt immense pride in standing on the podium for India."

The path to this gold medal was fraught with challenges. Singh acknowledged that managing his physical preparation, mental focus, and the intense pressure of competition was his greatest hurdle. "At this level, every opponent is capable of beating you," he said. "You can't afford to lose concentration for even a second. I tried to stay focused on one fight at a time, not getting too caught up in the medal or expectations from others."

Singh's success was a product of a supportive ecosystem. While he credited his coaches and family for their pivotal roles, Singh emphasized the collective contribution of everyone who believed in him throughout his career. "This journey has been built by many people," he stated. "My coaches pushed me when needed and supported me during tough times. My family has been my greatest strength, and the medal is a testament to the collective effort of everyone who has been part of my journey."