India's Judo Star Harsh Singh Plans Overseas Training to Take on Asia's Best

Fresh off creating history as India's first-ever male Commonwealth Games judo gold medallist, Harsh Singh has already shifted his focus to an even bigger challenge. The reigning champion is determined to sharpen his skills by training in Japan or Georgia, two global powerhouses in judo, as he prepares for next month's Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Speaking after a felicitation ceremony for Indian judokas, Harsh said training under elite international coaches is the key to competing with the world's best. According to him, while Indian athletes possess the strength and determination to succeed, they still need to improve technically to consistently challenge top-ranked opponents.

The 24-year-old believes Japan, regarded as the birthplace of judo, and Georgia, one of the sport's strongest nations, offer the ideal environment to refine crucial aspects such as grip control, footwork and advanced techniques. Learning from Olympic-winning coaches, he said, would significantly enhance India's chances of excelling on the global stage.

Harsh also acknowledged that the level of competition at the Commonwealth Games is considerably different from that of the Asian Games and Olympics, where the world's finest judokas compete. While winning gold in Glasgow was a landmark achievement, he admitted the next challenge would be far tougher.

The champion revealed that he entered the Commonwealth Games with only one goal in mind—winning gold. Having seen India previously secure only silver and bronze medals in men's judo, he was determined to rewrite history through disciplined preparation and a positive mindset.

Reflecting on his memorable campaign, Harsh described the semifinal as the toughest contest of the tournament. He relied on his favourite Tomoe Nage technique while also using the Kataguruma throw, suggested by senior judoka Nishant, to outsmart his opponent and secure a place in the final before eventually clinching the historic gold medal.

With history already behind him, Harsh's sights are now firmly set on proving himself against Asia's elite, hoping overseas training will help transform a Commonwealth champion into an Asian Games medal contender.