India’s Harsh Singh made history on Friday by becoming the country’s first-ever male judoka to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. The 23-year-old defeated Australia’s Joshua Katz in the men’s 60kg final to achieve the landmark feat.
Making his Commonwealth Games debut, Harsh produced the biggest victory of his career against one of the competition’s most experienced judokas. Although Katz was widely considered the favourite before the final, the Indian stayed composed and stuck to his strategy.
The contest remained evenly balanced for most of the four-minute bout, with neither athlete able to take control. The breakthrough finally came with just 41 seconds remaining when Harsh executed a superb waza-ari to move into the lead.
Once ahead, he showed great composure in defence and did not allow Katz any opportunity to make a comeback. Harsh held on until the final whistle to secure a famous gold medal.
The result was particularly impressive considering Katz’s credentials. The Australian has represented his country at the Olympic Games, won multiple Oceania Championships and Australian national titles, and also claimed bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Despite facing such an accomplished opponent, Harsh looked confident throughout the final. He remained patient, waited for the right moment and made it count when the opportunity arrived.
The Australian also comes from a renowned judo family. Both his parents were former judokas, while his father has served as Australia’s Olympic judo coach.
Harsh’s historic victory is the biggest achievement of his career so far and also gave India its second judo gold medal of the day.