Commonwealth Games 2026: Dehradun’s Unnati Sharma Wins Bronze in Judo; Defeats South African Opponent in Just 67 Seconds

Scripts History in Glasgow | Won medal in women’s 63kg category; 38th National Games Gold Medalist Unnati’s journey started at Parade Ground

Dehradun : Major news has emerged for the sports fraternity of Uttarakhand from the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland (UK). Dehradun’s young judo player Unnati Sharma has brought laurels to the nation by securing a Bronze Medal in the women’s 63kg weight category.

Making a stellar comeback in the bronze medal match, Unnati defeated her South African rival in just 1 minute and 7 seconds to clinch the medal, bringing immense joy to sports enthusiasts across Uttarakhand.

3 Key Takeaways That Make This Victory Special:

1. Finished the match in 67 seconds: Registered a dominant victory over South Africa’s Skye Nöster by ‘Ippon’ in the bronze medal bout.
2. Maintained composure after semi-final defeat: Kept her confidence intact after a tough defeat against Australia’s Saya Middleton in the semifinals.
3. A proud moment for Uttarakhand: Waved the Indian national flag on an international platform after winning Gold in the 38th National Games.

Opponent Defeated in 1 Minute 7 Seconds

In the semifinal match held in Glasgow, Unnati faced Australia’s Saya Middleton. In a fiercely competitive bout, Unnati suffered a defeat based on ‘Ippon’. However, instead of being disheartened by the loss, Unnati showcased aggressive gameplay in the bronze medal match. Facing South Africa’s Skye Nöster, Unnati exerted immediate pressure from the start and achieved an Ippon in just 1 minute 7 seconds (67 seconds) to seal the bronze medal for India.

Journey Started at Parade Ground; Father Retired from Army

A resident of Defense Colony in Dehradun, Unnati Sharma’s father is a retired Indian Army officer. She completed her schooling at DAV Public School, Dehradun. Unnati’s judo career began at the Judo Hall located at Parade Ground, Dehradun, where she learned the technical nuances of the sport under the guidance of National Judo Coach Satish Sharma. Years of rigorous practice and disciplined training paved her way to the international stage.

Golden Journey from Sub-Junior to National Games

Unnati’s success is the result of consistent performance at the national level over the years:

• Sub-Junior Nationals (Manipur): Won the Gold Medal and was crowned the ‘Best Judoka’.
• 38th National Games: Won the Gold Medal in judo representing Uttarakhand.
• Commonwealth Games 2026: Brought glory to the nation by winning a Bronze Medal in Glasgow.

The State Sports Department, coaches, and family members expressed immense happiness and extended their warm congratulations to Unnati on her remarkable achievement. This victory is set to inspire thousands of aspiring athletes across the state.