Ishroop Narang's Inspiring Journey at the 2026 Commonwealth Games

Ishroop Narang, a promising young judoka, showcased her talent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, narrowly missing a medal. With valuable experience gained, she is now focused on qualifying for the 2030 Games in Ahmedabad. Narang's journey reflects her determination and growth in the sport, having already achieved notable success in international competitions. As she prepares for future challenges, her story inspires many young athletes in India. Read on to learn more about her experiences and aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 23:52 IST

Ishroop Narang's Commonwealth Games Experience

Chandigarh, India - August 9: Young Indian judoka Ishroop Narang came close to winning a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, but she returned with invaluable experience and a renewed commitment to qualify for the 2030 Games in Ahmedabad.

India showcased its talent in 12 judo events at the Glasgow Games, securing four medals: two golds, one silver, and one bronze. This was an improvement from the previous edition in 2022, where the country won three medals without any golds. The historic gold medals were achieved by Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh, marking a significant milestone for Indian judo.

Narang, competing in the women's -78kg category, was the only Indian judoka to progress past the initial rounds on the final day. She triumphed over Scotland's Nicole Wood in the round of 16 but faced defeat against England's Emma Reid in the quarter-finals.

In the repechage, Narang made a remarkable comeback, defeating Cameroon’s Georgika Wesly Djengue Moune after trailing 0-2, ultimately winning 10-2 to reach the medal rounds. However, she narrowly missed out on a bronze medal, losing to Canada's Coralie Godbout in a golden score finish, placing fourth overall.

Reflecting on her time in Glasgow, Narang expressed that competing against seasoned athletes was a significant learning experience. She stated, “My experience was excellent. Competing against many senior athletes in my weight class was challenging. I fought four bouts in total, and although I lost the quarter-final to a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, it was a valuable experience. I was disappointed to miss the bronze medal match, but I’m motivated for the future.”

Prior to the Commonwealth Games, Narang participated in a three-week training camp in France. With the Olympic qualifiers already in progress, she is eager to continue her journey and prepare for the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

At just 19, Narang has already made a name for herself in the judo community, having won a silver medal at the Junior Asian Championships and a bronze at the Junior Asian Cup. Her growth has been supported by high-performance training environments, including coaching from Vivek Thakur and training at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), along with ongoing support from the Chandigarh Sports Department.

NS Thakur, General Secretary of the Amateur Judo Association of Chandigarh, praised Narang's development and potential, stating, “She has trained under Vivek Thakur and at the IIS, and she regularly trains in Chandigarh with significant support from the Sports Department. As she prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, she is a strong contender and continues to improve.”

Narang's performance in Glasgow showcased her resilience and competitive spirit. With the Olympic qualification process underway, she aims to leverage her Commonwealth Games experience to further her career on the international stage.

India concluded the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in fourth place overall, amassing a total of 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze. The event also marked the commencement of India's preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with the Commonwealth Games flag ceremonially handed over during the closing ceremony in Glasgow.