CHENNAI: In Birmingham, India sent six judokas – three in the men’s category and as many in the women’s category. With the Glasgow Games featuring just 10 disciplines, a full-strength team comprising seven judokas each in the men’s and women’s sections will represent the country. Indian judokas won three medals in the 2022 edition with Shushila Devi Likmabam and Tulika Maan winning a silver each in women’s 48kg and +78kg respectively, while Vijay Kumar Yadav won a bronze in men’s 60kg. The medal tally could increase this time, especially with the country’s judokas competing in all 14 weight categories.
“It all depends on the draws and the performance of the judokas on a given day. In combat sports, it is difficult to predict,” C Jivan Sharma, the coach, who is scheduled to travel with the team, told this daily. “But yes, we are expecting at least six medals and we are also hoping for a gold which has eluded us so far despite participating in the four editions since Auckland CWG 1990,” the coach added.
Fierce opponents
Although the competition is not likely to be as tough as the Asian Games, Indian judokas are expected to face stiff competition from their counterparts from England, Scotland, Canada, Australia and South Africa. “I have noticed that Australia is playing a maximum of three teams in recent competitions. Also, judokas from England, Scotland, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand will be good. Shushila lost the last match against a judoka from South Africa at CWG 2022. Also, I have seen entries, that England is clear each weight in the double category. But again as I said at the beginning, draws will play a big role after a favorable draw will increase the probability of the medal.
According to the administrative and financial approval of the sports ministry, four support staff (three coaches and one physiotherapist) will accompany the judokas for the multi-sport competition. The participants will depart for Glasgow on July 28 as the judo competition will begin on July 31 and finish on August 2.
Women have an advantage
Given their past performances and current form, the probability of female judokas finishing on the podium is greater.
Shraddha Chopade won gold at the 2025 Gold Coast Oceania Open in -52kg. Asmita Dey finished first in -48kg at the Casablanca African Open last year. She also won a gold medal at the Junior Asia Cup in Macau in 2023. Tulika is the most experienced campaigner in the squad and had finished second in the previous edition. The 27-year-old from Delhi was the only Indian judoka to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics as well.
Like Tulika, Yamini Mourya is also an experienced campaigner with three continental open medals in all age groups and senior categories. Ishroop Narang, Unnati Sharma and Inunganbi Takhellambam have also won medals in the past at the prestigious events and will aim for a podium finish at the CWG.
