Exclusive: Harsh Singh Reveals How ACL Injury Nearly Ended His Dream Before Historic CWG Gold

Harsh Singh’s historic Commonwealth Games gold medal was the culmination of years of perseverance, but the road to the top was anything but straightforward. Before becoming India’s first-ever men’s judo gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, the 23-year-old spent a year on bed rest after suffering a serious knee injury that threatened to derail his career.

Harsh scripted history in Glasgow by defeating Australia’s Olympian Joshua Katz 10-0 in the men’s -60kg final, producing one of the most dominant performances of the competition. His victory came just hours after Ashmita Dey clinched gold in the women’s 48kg category, making it a landmark day for Indian judo. While Ashmita became India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medallist, Harsh followed by becoming the country’s first male judoka to achieve the feat.

ALSO READ: Exclusive | 'Didn’t Know I Had Created History Until I Saw News': CWG Judo Gold Medallist Asmita Dey

However, standing on top of the podium was something Harsh once feared he might never experience.

Speaking exclusively to The Daily Jagran, Harsh opened up about the toughest phase of his career, revealing that an ACL and meniscus tear kept him away from the sport for months. Instead of worrying about competitions or rankings, he chose to focus solely on getting his body right.

“My ACL and meniscus were torn. I was on bed rest for a year and stayed away from judo for almost seven months. I decided to focus only on recovery before thinking about competition again.”

Watching fellow athletes train while he was confined to rehabilitation was mentally draining, but Harsh believes accepting the situation helped him make a stronger comeback.

He concentrated on rebuilding strength in his knee, gradually returned to training and eventually earned his place in India’s Commonwealth Games squad. Months later, he was standing on the highest step of the podium with a gold medal around his neck.

The magnitude of the achievement only sank in after the final whistle.

“Winning my first medal at such a big international event and standing on the podium with the gold medal was an unforgettable feeling.”

For Harsh, the moment was about much more than personal glory. The first thoughts that crossed his mind were of the people who had backed him through the difficult days.

“The first people I remembered were my coaches, my friends, the Indian Army and everyone who believed in me.”

Despite facing Australia’s experienced Olympian Joshua Katz in the title clash, Harsh said his confidence grew the moment the contest began.

“Once I took my first grip in the final, I felt there was nothing special about my opponent—I could win this.”

He also credited his coaches for keeping him composed during crucial moments of the bout.

“Sometimes you lose focus during a fight, but listening to the coach’s instructions at the right moment makes all the difference.”

One of the defining moments of India’s judo campaign came before Harsh even stepped onto the mat for the final. Ashmita Dey had just become the first Indian judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold, and Harsh admitted her victory became an instant source of motivation.

“After watching Ashmita win gold, I told myself I couldn’t lose my final. I had to win another gold for India.”

The celebrations did not end with the medal ceremony. Harsh described the closing ceremony in Glasgow as one of the proudest moments of his life.

“Walking with the Indian flag and hearing Indian songs at the closing ceremony made all of us feel proud.”

The reception awaiting him back home was equally memorable.

“I never expected such a huge welcome. Seeing my family, relatives and friends waiting with sweets and drums was overwhelming.”

Although the gold medal has made him a household name in Indian judo, Harsh insists success is built on discipline rather than fortune.

“Luck is only one percent. Everything else is hard work, movement, gripping, conditioning and endurance.”

His journey in the sport began almost by chance. Growing up, he tried wrestling, kabaddi and judo, but it was the judo uniform and the dream of earning a black belt that captured his imagination.

“I played kabaddi, wrestling and judo in school, but the judo uniform and the black belt fascinated me the most.”

Away from competition, Harsh says his biggest support system has always been his family, especially his elder brother, who helped him stay mentally strong through injuries and setbacks.

“Whenever I lose confidence, my brother tells me to meditate, stay disciplined and trust the process.”

He also credits his mother for making every homecoming special.

“My mother always cooks whatever I ask for. Her halwa is my favourite.”

Harsh believes India’s historic performance in Glasgow can transform the future of judo in the country. According to him, coaches have already begun witnessing increased interest from young children after India’s medal-winning campaign.

“After our medals, parents started bringing their children to judo. That’s the biggest victory for the sport.”

With the Asian Games now firmly in his sights, Harsh hopes his story serves as motivation for young athletes chasing their dreams.

“Believe in your goal. Don’t have any doubts. Keep working hard and success will come, even if it takes a little longer.”