Indian Judoka Rohit Majgul books CWG and Asian Games berths at National Trials

Gujarat’s rising judoka Rohit Majgul (-66 kg) delivered a standout performance at the Judo Selection Trials in New Delhi to secure qualification for both the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Asian Games.

In a gripping best-of-three final against Haryana’s Garvit, the decisive bout went into golden score, where the 23-year-old executed a brilliant O-goshi throw to score a waza-ari and seal victory.

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The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, while the 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 onwards.

Speaking after his qualification, Majgul said:

“Qualifying for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games is a dream come true for me. Every bout at the trials tested my limits, but I trusted my training and my coaches to guide me. This victory is not just mine—it’s a reflection of the hard work and support of the Vijayi Bharat Foundation.”

Hailing from Talala in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, Majgul trains at the Vijayi Bharat Foundation (VBF). His rise has been marked by consistency, having remained undefeated at the last two Senior National Championships, underlining his technical mastery and dominance in the -66 kg category.

Guided by VBF’s coaching staff and support system, Majgul’s composure, finesse, and competitive spirit have stood out, highlighting both his individual excellence and the foundation’s training ecosystem. His qualification marks a significant boost for Gujarat’s growing presence in Indian judo.

Historically, India’s judo medal tally at the Asian Games remains limited. Indian judokas won four bronze medals at the 1951 Asian Games in New Delhi through Sandeep Byala (men’s -65kg), Cawas Billimoria (men’s -95kg), Shyam Singh Gurjar (men’s +95kg), and Bannu Singh (men’s open weight).

At the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Poonam Chopra claimed bronze in the women’s -56kg category – India’s last Asian Games medal in judo and the only medal by an Indian woman at a continental event.

Majgul’s qualification therefore represents a fresh opportunity for India to end its long medal drought on the continental stage.