Asmita Dey etched her name with golden ink in the sporting history of India as she bagged country’s first ever Commonwealth Games Gold in judo. The 23-year-old judoka defeated Canada’s Heidi Quach in a gripping final. Dey dominated the summit clash 2-1 by Yuko and displayed a calm and composed demeanour to give the country a top podium finish. After finding herself on the back foot early in the contest, she produced a remarkable comeback and bagged the yellow metal to end India’s longstanding medal wait in the sport.
It was an intense clash considering what was at stake, and both judokas put up a closely-contested affair engaging in grappling and forcing each other towards the edge of the mat. Quach struck first midway through the game and took the lead before her Indian rival responded sharply despite receiving a Shido penalty to produce a quick throw of her own levelling the score. By the end of the regulation time, the scores were tied and the clash entered the Golden Score, where the Indian grabbed the opportunity and scripted history.
Who is Asmita Dey? India’s first CWG Gold Medallist Judoka
Asmita Dey, a 23-year-old judoka from Tripura is a Khelo India athlete and has been a force to reckon with in the last few years. Born in a humble family, Dey is the daughter of a bicycle mechanic, and it wasn’t easy for her to reach where she is standing today. She had to overcome innumerable financial challenges to pursue the sport. Before being introduced to judo by her first coach, Dey used to compete in 800 metres athletics.
After displaying impressive performances at the National School Games and Khelo India competitions, she earned herself a spot at the SAI Regional Centre, Bhopal in 2018 and has been training there since then. Before her CWG gold, Dey has brought laurels to the country at the Asian Open, Junior Asia Cup Judo Championships, and Commonwealth Judo Championships, and more. Coming back to Commonwealth Games 2026, Dey's medal takes India's Gold Medal tally to four.
