Yamini Mourya Gains Confidence from Commonwealth Games for Future Competitions

Indian judoka Yamini Mourya shares how her experience at the Commonwealth Games has boosted her confidence for future competitions, including the 2028 Olympics. After winning a silver medal in the women's 57kg category, she feels prepared to face the world's best athletes. Mourya's insights into her matches and her opponents highlight her growth and readiness for the upcoming Asian Games. With India's judo team achieving significant success, including historic gold medals, Yamini's journey reflects the potential for future triumphs in international competitions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 23:47 IST

Yamini Mourya Reflects on Her Commonwealth Games Experience

Bhiwani (Haryana) [India], August 5: Indian judoka Yamini Mourya expressed that her participation in the Commonwealth Games has instilled in her the confidence to compete against the world's elite athletes, having already faced Olympic medalists and world champions.

She noted that this experience has alleviated some of the pressure she feels regarding the upcoming 2028 Olympics, bolstering her belief in India's potential for medal success.

Yamini earned a silver medal in the women's 57kg division at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after a tightly contested match against England's Acelya Toprak.

"The Commonwealth Games featured top athletes, including those I've faced on the world stage. Competing against Olympic medalists and world champions has boosted my confidence. I believe that by the time I reach the 2028 Olympics, I will not feel the same pressure, as I know I can hold my own against the best. Approaching the Olympics without fear will make winning a medal feel achievable," Yamini stated.

In a high-stakes match lasting nearly seven minutes, Yamini faced an Ippon defeat after receiving her third Shido penalty during the Golden Score period.

She commended her opponent Acelya Toprak as a world-class judoka and mentioned that her experience at the Asian Championships has equipped her with strategies to compete against elite judokas.

Yamini also remarked that her performance in the Commonwealth Games final has significantly boosted her confidence as she prepares for the Asian Games.

"My final opponent was exceptionally strong and has competed at the highest levels. Having participated in the Asian Championships prior, I was familiar with many of the athletes, which helped me strategize. After my experience at the Commonwealth Games, I believe the Asian Games will be less daunting than I initially thought," she added.

India showcased its prowess in judo at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, competing in 12 events and securing four medals: two golds, one silver, and one bronze, marking a notable improvement from the previous Commonwealth Games in 2022, where they did not win any gold medals.

The remarkable campaign was led by Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh, who made history as the first Indian judokas to win gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Asmita became the first Indian woman judoka to achieve this feat, while Harsh matched this milestone in the men's category.