Now Reading: CWG gold gives judoka Harsh Singh hope for sport’s future
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CWG gold gives judoka Harsh Singh hope for sport’s future
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Harsh Singh says India’s success in judo could encourage more children to take up the sport. Singh, who won the men’s 60kg title in Glasgow, said young athletes…
The Story in Brief
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Harsh Singh says India’s success in judo could encourage more children to take up the sport. Singh, who won the men’s 60kg title in Glasgow, said young athletes had earlier moved to wrestling or kabaddi because they saw few opportunities in judo. His victory followed Asmita Dey’s gold, ending India’s judo gold drought at the Games.
Singh, 23, returned to competition after surgery for ACL and meniscus injuries in his right knee. He completed rehabilitation in March and later reduced his weight from 72kg to compete at 60kg. Support from doctors, physiotherapists, coaches, seniors and the Inspire Institute of Sport helped him continue. An Army havildar, Singh says the medal is his first step towards winning more.
The Indian Opinion
The lazy story is that one medal can transform an overlooked sport overnight. Singh’s experience points to a harder truth: talent needs surgery, rehabilitation, equipment, coaching and financial support before it reaches a podium. The opposite claim, that judo has no future in India, is also too sweeping. The useful test is whether more children enter training and whether athletes receive sustained support after the Glasgow applause fades.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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