Harsh Tokas Aims for Historic Gold at Commonwealth Games Debut

Harsh Tokas: A Rising Star in Judo

Inspired by Lasha Bekauri, a two-time Olympic champion from Georgia, Indian judoka Harsh Tokas has set his sights on making history by clinching India's first Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo during his debut in Glasgow.

At just 23 years old, Tokas will compete in the men's 81kg category, having discovered his passion for judo at the age of 10 when he joined a free academy in Munirka village, Delhi.

Now, over a decade later, he views the Commonwealth Games as the pinnacle of his career, and he is resolute in his goal to stand atop the podium.

Tokas shared, "I began my judo journey around 12 years ago at a local academy that was established by my coach to provide free training for children. This is where it all started for me."

He expressed his early fascination with combat sports, noting, "The judo academy near my home drew me in, and I loved the thrill of competition, which fueled my passion for judo."

His singular focus is on winning a gold medal, stating, "I want to achieve this for my country and make everyone proud."

However, the Indian judo team faced challenges even before arriving in Glasgow, with two athletes, including silver medallist Tulika Maan, suspended due to doping violations.

Tokas emphasized the importance of education he received at the Vijaya Bharat Foundation, which has equipped him with knowledge about clean sport and his responsibilities as an athlete.

He remarked, "At VBF, we participated in anti-doping awareness sessions that taught us about diet management, precautions, and timely completion of whereabouts requirements."

These lessons have been invaluable, guiding him to compete ethically and responsibly.

Despite it being his first Commonwealth Games, Tokas feels no pressure, attributing his confidence to months of rigorous training.

"There’s no pressure. When your training is solid, much of the pressure dissipates. I've been training at an unprecedented level for the past few months," he explained.

He is determined to give his all, stating, "I will put in 100, 200, even 500 percent. Winning a medal is my ultimate dream, and I want to seize this opportunity after dedicating 12 years to this sport."

Tokas also shared his admiration for Bekauri, recalling a memorable encounter during his training in Georgia, where he sought advice on enhancing his technique.

"Lasha Bekauri has been my inspiration since childhood. Meeting him in Georgia was unforgettable. I learned about his journey to Olympic success and admired his style," he said.

He fondly recalled their conversation, where Bekauri advised him to master his best techniques for consistent victories.