Yamini Mourya gains Olympic confidence following Commonwealth Games Silver medal

Yamini Mourya (Pic: PTI)

Indian judoka Yamini Mourya highlighted how her performance at the Commonwealth Games has reinforced her belief that she can go toe-to-toe with the world's best.

Having already faced Olympic medalists and world champions, she noted that this experience has eased the anxiety surrounding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Yamini won a silver medal in the women's 57kg division at the 2026 Commonwealth Games following a closely fought final against England's Acelya Toprak.

"The best athletes competed at the Commonwealth Games, including those we have already faced at the world level. I have competed against Olympic medallists and world champions, and if I can give them a tough fight, it gives me a lot of confidence. When I go to the Olympics 2028, I don't think I will feel the same kind of pressure because I know I can compete with the best. If we approach the Olympics without fear or pressure, winning a medal there will not feel impossible," Yamini told ANI.

The championship bout lasted nearly seven minutes in a demanding contest before Yamini suffered an Ippon defeat due to a third Shido penalty during the Golden Score period.

"I think my opponent in the final was extremely strong and has competed at the highest level. Before this, I had participated in the Asian Championships, where I faced many of the same athletes, so I knew how to compete against them. After my Commonwealth Games final, I feel the Asian Games will not be as difficult as I once imagined," she added.

Historic run at Commonwealth for Indian Judo athletes

India competed in 12 judo events in Glasgow, capturing four medals, two gold, one silver, and one bronze. This represents a major step forward from their three-medal performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where no gold was won.

The historic campaign was led by Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh, who became the first Indian judokas to secure Commonwealth Games gold medals. Asmita made history as the first Indian woman judoka to win a gold medal at the Games, while Harsh accomplished the same milestone in the men's division.

(With inputs from ANI)