In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Gujarat’s rising judo star Rohit Majgul has secured his spot for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Competing in the 66kg category, the young athlete from a small tribal village in Gir Somnath district dominated the national judo selection trials held in New Delhi.
The final showdown pitted Majgul against Haryana’s Garvit in a best-of-three format. The decisive bout extended into golden score, where Majgul unleashed a perfect O-goshi throw to clinch a waza-ari victory. This hard-fought win catapults him onto the international stage.
The Commonwealth Games are set to unfold from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland, while the Asian Games will take place from September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Majgul’s qualification marks a significant milestone for Indian judo, especially from Gujarat.
Speaking after his triumph, Majgul shared his elation: ‘Qualifying for these prestigious events feels like a dream come true. Every bout in the trials tested my endurance, but my training and coaches guided me through. This victory belongs to the Vijayi Bharat Foundation’s relentless support.’
Trained under the Vijayi Bharat Foundation, Majgul hails from Talala village. His undefeated streak in the last two senior nationals underscores his consistency and technical prowess. This success highlights the foundation’s robust training ecosystem and Gujarat’s growing influence in Indian judo.
Looking back, India’s judo legacy in Asian Games includes four bronze medals from the inaugural 1951 edition in New Delhi, won by athletes like Sandeep Bayala and Kawas Billimoria. Poonam Chopra’s bronze in 1994 at Hiroshima remains the sole medal by an Indian woman in the continental showpiece.
Majgul’s achievement inspires the sporting community, signaling brighter prospects for judo in India as preparations for 2026 intensify.