Unnati Sharma: Rising Judo Star Set to Shine at Commonwealth Games

Unnati Sharma's journey in judo is a remarkable tale of resilience and determination. As she prepares to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, her story highlights the importance of family support and rigorous training. From overcoming injuries to becoming a trailblazer for young athletes in her community, Unnati's dedication to her sport is inspiring. With the backing of her coaches and the high-performance environment at the Inspire Institute of Sport, she is ready to showcase her skills on an international stage. Read on to learn more about her journey and aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2026, 15:46 IST

Unnati Sharma's Inspiring Judo Journey

Unnati Sharma's journey in judo is a testament to her courage, determination, and steadfast belief in herself. Competing in the women's -63kg category, this judoka, supported by IIS, has faced numerous challenges and shattered barriers to emerge as one of India's promising athletes. From concealing a broken hand after her initial judo training session due to fear of being told to quit, to becoming the first girl from her locality to represent India, Unnati's narrative is one of resilience and tenacity. She is now gearing up to fulfill another aspiration by participating in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Family Support Fuels Her Dreams

Hailing from Dehradun, Unnati discovered her love for sports early on, experimenting with various disciplines before settling on judo. Although the journey has required sacrifices, her family's unwavering support, particularly from her father, has been her greatest strength. "Competing for India at the Commonwealth Games is incredibly special for me, as it is a goal I have pursued for many years. Each competition and training session has fortified me, both physically and mentally. My family has always had faith in me, especially my father, who has stood by me through every victory and defeat. My current focus is to compete with confidence, give my all in every match, and make India proud," she expressed.

Intensive Training at IIS

Training at the Inspire Institute of Sport has allowed Unnati to hone her skills in a high-performance setting, where she trains alongside elite athletes and seasoned coaches, enhancing her readiness for international competitions. "At IIS, hard work is a necessity because everyone around you is pursuing the same dream. Training with such dedicated individuals inspires me daily. My coaches have believed in me from the start and have guided my improvement in every aspect. Thanks to them, I feel increasingly confident each time I step onto the mat," she noted.

Insights from Her Coach

Unnati's coach highlights her resilience and dedication to ongoing improvement as crucial factors in her preparation for this significant competition. "Unnati has consistently demonstrated remarkable determination. She embraces challenges and is committed to working hard every day to enhance her skills. Over time, she has evolved into a more composed and self-assured athlete, and she is well-prepared for the Commonwealth Games. We are confident in her ability to compete effectively and bring pride to India," he stated.

Aiming for Success on a Global Stage

With a solid reputation built through consistent performances and years of hard work, Unnati is poised to carry her momentum into one of judo's most prestigious events as she aims to leave her mark at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.