Indian judoka Harsh Tokas is aiming to make history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow by becoming the first Indian to win a judo gold medal at the event. The 23-year-old, competing in the 81kg category, will be making his Commonwealth Games debut with the ambitious goal of securing the top spot on the podium.
Preparation and Mindset
Tokas has been training intensively for the past few months, with his preparation reaching a next-level intensity. He stated, "The preparation is going really well. It has been at a next-level intensity for the past 2-3 months. I have given it my absolute 100% effort. This is the first time playing at this level; it's going to be a unique experience. I am competing in the 81 kg category. As for the challenges, I'll only find out the specifics once I'm there, but the plan is to play freely. The goal is definitely gold. No one from our country has ever won gold in this event at the Commonwealth Games, so bringing back gold would create history and be a wonderful achievement for the nation."
A Promising Career Built on Youth Achievements
Tokas has risen through India's age-group judo system, making a mark on the Asian circuit. He won a bronze medal at the 2018 Macau Cadets Asian Cup and recorded a top-eight finish at the Asian Cadet Championships later that year. He also finished among the top five at the 2019 Asia-Oceania Cadet Championships. These early successes laid the foundation for his transition to the senior 81kg category, where he secured his place in India's Commonwealth Games squad through the national selection process. He will be part of a six-member men's judo team competing in Glasgow.
India's Historic Medal Drought in Judo
India has never won a gold medal in judo at the Commonwealth Games. The country's best performance came at the 2014 Glasgow Games, where Indian judokas claimed four medals, including two silver and two bronze. Tokas aims to break that drought and create a historic milestone for Indian judo. His ambition reflects a broader hope for the contingent, which is eager to improve upon past performances.
Setbacks and Adjustments in the Judo Squad
India's original 14-member judo contingent has been reduced to 12 athletes due to two withdrawals. Men's 73kg judoka Arun Kumar was withdrawn after a positive out-of-competition anti-doping test, while Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Tulika Maan was forced to pull out due to a provisional suspension over whereabouts failures. Despite these setbacks, Tokas remains one of India's promising medal hopefuls as he prepares for his maiden Commonwealth Games appearance.
Looking Ahead to Glasgow Competition
The Indian judo team is scheduled to depart for Glasgow on July 27, with competition set to begin on July 31 at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Tokas will be looking to make an immediate impact in his debut, aiming to deliver a gold medal that would not only fulfill his personal dream but also inspire a new generation of judokas in India. The 2026 Commonwealth Games present a significant opportunity for Tokas to etch his name in the annals of Indian sports history.
