Mumbai: Indian judoka Yamini Maurya has added another accolade to her country’s impressive tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, securing a silver medal in the women’s 57kg judo event. The podium finish contributes to a historic showing for the nation on the mat, marking India’s third medal in the discipline during these Games. This performance follows ground-breaking gold medal wins by teammates Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh, who previously achieved India’s first-ever Commonwealth gold medals in judo history.
Training at the Inspire Institute of Sport, Maurya has consistently built her career trajectory through dedication and resilience. Her success at the Games comes after overcoming major physical hurdles, including undergoing surgery in 2024 that kept her away from competitive sport for nearly a year. Following her recovery, she faced the rigorous task of managing her weight and rehabilitation before returning to peak condition on the international stage.
Reflecting on her modest beginnings, Maurya recalled starting her training on basic household mattresses rather than proper combat equipment, unaware at the time of major international tournaments like the Commonwealth or Olympic Games. Her district coach initially planted the seed of elite athletic ambition, propelling her from local school grounds to international acclaim. Her latest silver medal not only highlights her personal perseverance but also underlines the expanding footprint of Indian judo in international competition.
