CWG 2026: Unnati Sharma eyes glory in Glasgow's 63kg judo event
Synopsis
A broken hand hidden from her family after her very first judo session — that is where Unnati Sharma's Commonwealth Games story begins. Now, years later, the Dehradun judoka steps onto the mat in Glasgow as the first girl from her neighbourhood to wear India's colours, targeting a medal in the women's 63kg category at CWG 2026.
Key Takeaways
Unnati Sharma will represent India in the women's 63kg judo category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow .
She is the first girl from her neighbourhood in Dehradun to represent India in judo.
Unnati reportedly hid a broken hand after her very first judo session to avoid being pulled out of the sport.
She trains at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) , crediting its high-performance environment for her growth.
Her coach described her as a 'more composed and confident athlete' who has 'prepared well' for Glasgow.
She is scheduled to compete on Saturday in Glasgow.
Indian judoka Unnati Sharma has set her sights firmly on the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, declaring her intent to compete with full confidence and bring honour to the country. The Dehradun-born athlete will represent India in the women's 63kg category, marking her debut on one of the sport's most prestigious multi-nation stages.
A Journey Built on Grit
Unnati's path to Glasgow is anything but ordinary. She tried multiple sports during childhood before discovering judo — and her commitment to the discipline was tested almost immediately. After her very first training session, she reportedly hid a broken hand from her family, fearing they would ask her to quit. That early act of quiet determination would come to define her career.
Over the years, she broke barriers beyond the mat as well, becoming the first girl from her neighbourhood to represent India in judo. Her Commonwealth Games debut now stands as the latest — and most significant — milestone in that journey.
What Unnati Said
'Representing India at the Commonwealth Games is a very special feeling for me because it is something I have worked towards for many years. Every competition and every training session has helped me become stronger, both physically and mentally,' she said.
Crediting her family's unwavering support, she added: 'My family has always believed in me, especially my father, who has supported me through every win and every loss. My focus now is to fight with confidence, give my best in every bout and make India proud.'
The Role of High-Performance Training
Unnati attributed much of her growth to the environment at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), where she trains alongside some of India's top competitors under experienced coaches. She described the atmosphere as one that leaves no room for complacency.
'At IIS, you don't have a choice but to work hard because everyone around you is chasing the same dream. Training with them motivates me every day. My coaches have trusted me from the beginning and helped me improve in every area. Because of them, I feel more confident every time I compete,' she said.
Coach's Assessment
Her coach at IIS echoed that confidence, highlighting Unnati's mental strength as a key factor in her development. 'Unnati has always shown exceptional determination. She doesn't shy away from challenges and is willing to work hard every single day to improve. Over the years, she has become a more composed and confident athlete, and she has prepared well for the Commonwealth Games. We believe she has the ability to compete strongly and make India proud,' the coach said.
What to Watch in Glasgow
Unnati is scheduled to take the mat in Glasgow on Saturday, with her bout in the women's 63kg category representing the culmination of years of consistent performances and dedicated preparation. Having already made history as a trail-blazer in her community, she will now look to translate that resilience into a podium finish on the Commonwealth stage.
Point of View
Not just metro academies. The Inspire Institute of Sport's model of centralised, high-intensity training is quietly producing athletes who might otherwise have slipped through the system. Whether Unnati medals in Glasgow or not, her debut itself is a data point worth tracking: India's judo pipeline is wider than it was a decade ago, and stories like hers are why.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Unnati Sharma and why is she in the news?
Unnati Sharma is an Indian judoka from Dehradun who will compete in the women's 63kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. She is in the news ahead of her CWG debut, which she describes as the culmination of years of dedicated training and perseverance.
Which category will Unnati Sharma compete in at CWG 2026?
Unnati Sharma will compete in the women's 63kg judo category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. She is scheduled to take the mat on Saturday.
Where does Unnati Sharma train?
Unnati trains at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), a high-performance centre where she works alongside some of India's top judo competitors under experienced coaches. She has credited the environment there for strengthening both her technical skills and mental confidence.
What makes Unnati Sharma's journey significant?
Unnati is the first girl from her neighbourhood in Dehradun to represent India in judo. She reportedly concealed a broken hand after her very first training session to avoid being stopped from pursuing the sport, an early sign of the determination that has defined her career.
What has Unnati Sharma said about her CWG 2026 goals?
Unnati has said her focus is to 'fight with confidence, give my best in every bout and make India proud.' She described the Commonwealth Games as something she has worked towards for many years, crediting her family — especially her father — and her coaches at IIS for her development.
