Elite Indian judo players should aim at automatic Olympic Games berth, says Dronacharya Awardee Jiwan Sharma 

 

India’s top judo players should aim to secure an automatic Olympic Games berth. That’s the only way for a holistic development of judo in the country, says Dronacharya Awardee in judo Jiwan Sharma. “It’s important for the core group of judo players in the country to change their mindset and think of global excellence,” Jiwan Sharma added.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games are scheduled to be held from July 14 to July 30 in California, USA. “It is important for top players to compete in high quality competitions to improve overall performance and stay on track to qualify for the Olympic Games,” said the national judo coach. 

Current crop of judo players, according to Jiwan Sharma, have potential to excel in world level competitions. However, there is a word of caution: “The players should stay focused and avoid injuries to perform at optimum level in major competitions." 

“Top Indian judo players generally compete in too many competitions in the build up to the Olympic Games. This is to earn ranking points and strengthen their position to win Continental quota,” he said and continued to add, “it’s high time players should have their priorities clear. Whether to excel at global competitions is important or mere participation at the Olympic Games is the main goal.” 

Jiwan Sharma accompanied the National judo team at the recently concluded Asian Games 2026 held in Japan and World Championships in Azerbaijan. The Pre-Asian Games camp at Tsukuba University and Tokyo’s Azinomoto National Training Centre sanctioned by the Sports Ministry, says the coach was a big advantage. The Indian players also got an opportunity to practice with the Japanese national judo team “The international exposure was beneficial and the players gave a good account of themselves at the Asian Games,” the coach added. "It was a different matter that the players missed the medal."

The nine-member national team, including one male judo player also competed at the Baku World Judo Championships held between October 4-11 in Azerbaijan. “Harsh Singh gave a good account of his performance and reached the round of 16 in men’s below 60kg,” the coach added.

EOM