Exclusive/ Grappling with Neglect: 'The Silent Crisis In Indian Judo'

India's success in Judo at the Commonwealth Games 2026 marked a new start, but the ground reality of Indian Judoka is grim. Both Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh secured gold medals and received a hero's welcome upon their arrival in India. But reality behind the scenes dug up something else.

Republic Investigates India's Judo Crisis

Republic visited AFACS Judo Academy, which is being run by Yashpal Solanki, in Dwarka, and witnessed rather shabby and unhygienic conditions. The CWG journey may last a moment, but it takes relentless effort to reach the podium. The central hall, which the Judokas use to train on a daily basis, doesn't have the basic infrastructure required for the sport.

• There's no air conditioning system in the facility, making it almost impossible for the athletes to maintain intensity.
• Bags of cement and other miscellaneous items were also lying on the floor, making it untidy.
• Furthermore, the training infrastructure was severely inadequate, featuring damaged gym equipment and torn practice mats.
• There were no drinking water facilities at the academy.

The performances may have elevated to international standards, but the infrastructure remains below par compared to other sports. Republic's exclusive scoop found ageing facilities and infrastructure that needs urgent attention if India wants to compete with the world's best.

The weird part is when you step outside of the academy. One can see piles of garbage in and around the academy, making it a very unwelcoming place to survive. When Republic visited the academy, there was also garbage lying outside the academy.

Both Asmita and Harsh also train here sometimes, which further emphasises the need to change India's judo system as it stands.