Yamini Mourya came close to winning gold but had to settle for silver in the women's 57kg judo event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday, July 31. The 28-year-old lost a tough final to England's Acelya Toprak after a long battle that went into golden score and was decided by penalties.
Even though she missed out on gold, Mourya's silver added to India's excellent day in judo, with the team already celebrating two historic gold medals earlier in the competition.
Yamini Mourya pushed Toprak all the way
The final was a close contest from the very beginning. Toprak started on the front foot and tried to put Mourya under pressure with aggressive attacks. The Indian stayed composed, defended well and did not allow her opponent to score in the opening stages.
Neither judoka could find a breakthrough during the four minutes of regular time. Both received shido penalties as the match remained level at 0-0. Toprak continued to attack, but Mourya matched her move for move and forced the contest into golden score.
With extra time underway, the tension only grew. Both fighters already had two shidos, meaning one more penalty would decide the match. They continued searching for an opening but neither could land a winning throw.
After almost three minutes of golden score, Mourya was given her third shido for a rules infringement. That ended the contest immediately, handing Toprak victory through hansoku-make.
It was a disappointing finish for the Indian, who defended strongly throughout the final but could not find the decisive attack she needed.
Impressive run to the final
Mourya looked in excellent form on her way to the gold-medal match. She defeated Ghana's Frema Agyei in the quarter-finals before producing one of the fastest wins of the day in the semi-finals.
She needed only one minute and 38 seconds to beat South Africa's Donne Breytenbach by ippon and secure her place in the final.
The silver medal is another important achievement for Mourya, who has continued to improve on the international circuit. She trains at the Inspire Institute of Sport and has already won titles at both the African Open and Asian Open.
India enjoys a historic day in judo
India finished Friday with an outstanding medal haul in judo. Asmita Dey made history by becoming the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games judo gold after taking the women's 48kg title.
Soon after, Harsh Singh created another milestone by becoming India's first-ever male Commonwealth Games judo champion with victory in the men's 60kg final.
Mourya's silver completed a memorable day for the Indian team, with all three finalists returning home with medals.