'I'll Walk into Every Bout With Confidence': India's Medal Hope Yamini Mourya Eyes Commonwealth Games Glory
For Yamini Mourya, the Commonwealth Games won't be won by looking at the podium.
They'll be won one bout at a time. The 28-year-old judoka, one of India's brightest medal hopes in the women's 57kg category, heads to Glasgow carrying the confidence of an athlete whose career has been on a steady upward trajectory.
She made history as the first Indian judoka to win a medal at the FISU World University Games in 2023. Since then, she has added gold medals at the Asian Open 2025 and the African Open 2026, establishing herself as one of India's most consistent performers on the international circuit.
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Yet, despite the growing expectations, Yamini isn't thinking about medals.
She's thinking about the next opponent.
"My focus is always on the match in front of me and executing what we have worked on in training."
That mindset has been shaped by years of competing against some of the world's toughest judokas.
Every international tournament, says Mourya, has been another lesson—revealing weaknesses, sharpening decision-making and building the confidence to perform under pressure.
Training at the Inspire Institute of Sport, Mourya credits the high-performance ecosystem for allowing her to focus solely on her craft.
"Everything is taken care of—from nutrition and physiotherapy to recovery and training," she said. "Being surrounded by athletes from different sports, all chasing the same dream, pushes you to become better every day."
Now comes her biggest test. Representing India at another major multi-sport event, Yamini says, is both a privilege and a responsibility. "It is always a proud feeling to wear the India jersey," she said. "I will go into every bout with confidence, give everything I have and hope to make India proud."
In a sport where fortunes can change in seconds, Mourya knows there are no guarantees. Only preparation, belief, and the confidence to step onto the mat, one bout at a time.
(With inputs from ANI)