NEW DELHI: “Dukh hota hai. Mai iss bade chance ka wait kar rha tha par naam nahi aya [It hurts. I was waiting for this big opportunity, but my name didn’t come up],” a dejected Harsh Singh told Timesofindia.com after being left out of the Indian judo squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.Just a month ago, Harsh made history as the first-ever male Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow in the men’s 60kg category.Although he did not meet the Asian Games selection criteria, he hoped his gold medal-winning performance would earn him a place in the squad. The 23-year-old believed his form and confidence after the Glasgow triumph could have helped him win another medal for India.India is going to send only three female judokas to the Asian Games – Asmita Dey, Women -48kg, Yamini Mourya – Women -57kg and Inunganbi Takhellambam – Women -70kg.
What is the selection criteria?
While top six in Asia via rankings was the operative standard set by SAI, in cases where judging by that marker was not possible or realistic, ‘a top-six finish among Asian nations in international competitions’, or a top-six finish at an Asian Championship would be the operative criterion.The ministry, in its release, however, added a relaxation clause: one that allowed it to choose an athlete for justifiable reasons, as recommended by experts from the concerned federation.Harsh did not meet either of the criteria, but his gold medal gave him hope of representing India at the mega event in Aichi-Nagoya.“I was told by the federation that my name was given and a total of 13 judokas names were given for Asian Games selection. I know that I didn’t meet the criteria. But I was among the athletes who won the medals. I am in good touch, in form, in confidence, and I had the belief that I could win another medal for my country. But that’s the life of an athlete I think,” Harsh said.
Tough draw ended Asian Games hopes
Harsh had a good opportunity to win an Asian Games berth when he participated in the Asian Championships, held in Ordos City, China, in April this year.As per the rules, judokas who won gold, silver or bronze medals, as well as those who fought in bronze-medal matches regardless of whether they won or lost, would qualify for the Asian Games.
Harsh Singh (Image credit: Special arrangement)
Unfortunately, Harsh got a tough draw and had to face Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Yang Yung-wei of Chinese Taipei. Harsh lost to Yang Yung-wei in the first round.Now, Harsh wants to leave this dejection behind and focus on the Lausanne Grand Slam.“When my name didn’t appear on the list, I approached the federation. They said it was no longer in their hands and that nothing could be done now. I can’t go to the Asian Games now, can I? So now I’m focusing on the Lausanne Grand Slam,” he said.
The electrician’s son and his struggle
For years, Harsh had seen his father work as an electrician, going from home to home to repair switches, plugs, and electrical appliances in and around South West Delhi’s Dwarka locality. Whatever he earned was the livelihood of the family.The family also went through a difficult period and sometimes even struggled to arrange meals during the COVID-19 lockdown. With no one allowed to move around freely, work dried up. His father could no longer go from house to house. The daily earnings stopped completely. Sometimes it was Rs 500 to Rs 1000.
Harsh Singh with his father and mother (Image credit: Special arrangement)
The family’s savings were exhausted. But despite all these tensions and worries, Harsh kept going.“At that time, whatever little savings my father had, that’s what we used to run the household on. That also ran out. We would borrow some money and somehow manage. But I never stopped my practice. I had decided that I had to do something for my family,” Harsh recalled.“It was a very difficult time. Whatever savings we had were gone within two years because there were expenses for me as well. Sometimes I had to travel for competitions, and I had to maintain my diet. Even when there was no competition, we still had to maintain the same diet. So, basically, all our savings were exhausted,” he said.
The turnaround
But Harsh and his family didn’t know that the struggles of his family would soon be over. The fortunes started changing within three years when Harsh won gold at the Nationals in 2024.The gold medal at the Nationals earned him a job in ITBP. After spending around eight to nine months there, Harsh received an offer from the Indian Army. He left ITBP and joined the Army as a Havaldar.“The Indian Army has helped me a lot. Our Commandant and all the coaches, Roop Chand sir and Chandan sir, have supported me a lot. They told me, ‘You focus on judo, we will take care of the rest.’ The Army has said that I don’t have to worry about doing a regular job while training. They have also helped by providing all the facilities and requirements, including my diet and supplements,” Harsh said.
Harsh Singh (Image credit: Special arrangement)
The life-changing CWG gold
Glasgow brought the biggest moment of his career. For him, the CWG gold not only earned him a promotion in the Indian Army but also brought respect to his family.“This is my first medal at the Commonwealth Games, and it is also my first international medal. This medal means a lot to me. This success is a very big thing for my family. I can’t thank God enough. This medal is for my father and mother,” Harsh said.“Now, even the neighbours who didn’t used to speak to us come to our house, meet my mother and father and have tea. For me, the most important thing is the respect my family has received,” he said.“I have told my father, ‘Now you rest and enjoy your life.’ He has done a lot for me. I have seen him worried many times, but he never gave up. It is my turn now to do something for him and give him a relaxed life,” Harsh signed off.
