Yamini Maurya opens up on her inspiring journey to Commonwealth Games 2026 silver

Yamini Maurya’s CWG campaign was historic

Yamini Maurya added another medal to India’s tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, clinching the silver medal in the women’s 57kg judo event. The podium finish marked another significant milestone for Indian judo, with Yamini securing India’s third medal in the sport at the Games. Earlier, Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh scripted history by winning India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medals in judo.

Training at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Yamini has steadily progressed through the ranks of Indian judo, with the Commonwealth Games silver marking the latest milestone in her career. The medal further underlines the growing strength of Indian judo on the international stage and caps off a memorable campaign for the Indian contingent.

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Yamini had spoken to IIS TV about the journey that brought her to one of the biggest stages in international sport. Looking back after her silver medal-winning campaign, her words reflected just how far she had come. “When I started in school, I didn’t even have these mats, I started with normal mats and mattresses. I didn’t know that I would come to the Commonwealth Games. I didn’t even know what the Commonwealth Games was,” she had said.

Her journey to the Commonwealth Games podium was not without setbacks. After undergoing surgery in 2024, Yamini spent nearly a year away from the mat before returning to competition. Reflecting on that phase ahead of the Games, she had said, “It took me almost a year to get on the mat. After that, it was very difficult to maintain my weight because my weight had increased a lot. So, I maintained my weight and started the competition while taking care of my injury.”

Yamini on how she started competing

Speaking to IIS TV, Yamini had also reflected on the dream that first inspired her to pursue the sport. 

“I didn’t even know what the Olympics were. At that time, my district coach told me that I had to play in the Olympics. I didn’t know what the Olympics were. And somewhere in my mind, I knew that I had to play,” she recalled.

The Commonwealth Games silver marks another significant milestone in Yamini’s career, capping a journey of resilience and determination while contributing to India’s historic campaign in judo

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