Commonwealth Games 2026: Judoka Ishroop Narang defeated in bronze medal contest

Judoka Ishroop Narang put forth her best effort in the bronze medal playoff but ultimately fell to Canada’s Coralie Godbout by yuko, concluding India’s judo journey at the Commonwealth Games without a medal on the final day of the event here Sunday.

All hopes of adding another medal to India’s tally rested on Ishroop, who advanced to medal contention after a fantastic victory over the formidable and taller Georgika Wesly Djengue Moune from Cameroon in the women’s -78 kg repechage round.

The 19-year-old secured a win by waza-ari after her opponent had previously scored two yukos.

However, a fierce Godbout proved to be a significant challenge for Ishroop, who accumulated two shidos during regulation time and eventually succumbed in the golden score period.

Yash Ghangas and Avtar Singh, the other Indian judokas competing on the final day, were eliminated in the round of 16.

India has won a total of 39 medals, comprising 13 gold and 17 silver, with only one athlete remaining in the Games, Lisha Das, who will participate in the women’s C4-C5 1000m Time Trial Final.

Judo has yielded four medals for India, including two historic golds, one silver, and one bronze.

Earlier in the day, Ishroop was defeated by Ippon against England’s Emma Reid in the quarterfinal. She received two shido penalties while Emma tallied two waza-ari points during the four-minute match to secure her victory.

The Indian judoka had previously won by yuko in the golden score period against Nicole Wood of Scotland in the round of 16.

With both competitors registered shido penalties, the match remained tied at the end of regulation time.

Ishroop managed to break the deadlock one minute and 40 seconds into the golden score, claiming a crucial yuko to close the contest after five minutes and 40 seconds.

In the men’s division, Avtar Singh was defeated by Ippon against Cyprus’ Aristos Michael in the -100kg round of 16.

Ghangas also exited the men’s +100kg competition following a 0-1 loss to Wales’ Joshua Whitehouse in the Round of 16.

Whitehouse gained the pivotal yuko midway through the match and maintained his lead to secure the victory.

Ghangas, who incurred two shido penalties during the four-minute bout, couldn’t mount a comeback as his campaign concluded in the initial round.

A yuko is awarded for a throw where the opponent lands on their side or near-side, or for a hold-down lasting between 5 to 9 seconds.

An Ippon is the highest score, signifying a full point that terminates the match instantly. Ippon is achieved through a clean throw, a lengthy hold down, or a submission.

CWG: Judoka Ishroop loses bronze medal bout