Indian judoka Asmita Dey scripted history at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in judo at the event. Competing in the women's 48kg category, the young athlete defeated Canada's Heidi Kwak in the final through a golden score, marking a landmark achievement for Indian judo.

Behind this historic victory lies a story of determination, sacrifice, and unwavering resilience.

A journey that began on the athletics track

Asmita Dey hails from Belonia, a small town in South Tripura. Interestingly, she did not begin her sporting career as a judoka. After joining the Tripura Sports School in 2015, she initially trained as an 800-metre runner.

Her path changed when coaches recognized her potential in judo and encouraged her to switch sports. Under the guidance of Bina Debnath at the Belonia Vidyapeeth Coaching Centre and Manik Lal Deb at the Tripura Sports School, she developed the skills that laid the foundation for her success.

Rising through the ranks

Asmita's consistent performances at the National School Games and Khelo India earned her a place at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre in Bhopal, where she trained under renowned coach Yashpal Solanki.

She also became the first athlete from Tripura to be selected for the Indian national judo team, a milestone that inspired many young sportspersons from the state.

Battling financial hardships

Asmita's journey was far from easy. Her father earned a living by running a small bicycle repair shop in Belonia, and the family faced constant financial challenges.

In 2023, she reportedly missed the opportunity to compete in the Tashkent Grand Slam because she could not arrange the funds required for the trip. Despite seeking financial assistance, she was unable to participate. Instead of giving up, Asmita continued training and remained focused on her goal.

A medal-winning career before Commonwealth glory

Before creating history at the Commonwealth Games, Asmita had already established herself on the international stage with several impressive performances, including:

• Bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Cadet and Junior Judo Championships

• Silver medal at the 2023 Kuwait Asian Open

• Gold medal at the Junior Asian Cup

• Gold medal at the 2025 Casablanca African Open

These achievements reflected her steady rise in international judo.

Turning personal loss into motivation

Asmita suffered a heartbreaking setback when her father passed away in December 2025. Losing her biggest supporter was an emotional blow, but she refused to let grief end her sporting journey.

Just two months later, she bounced back by securing first place in the national-level Asian Games selection trials, proving her remarkable mental strength.

After winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal, an emotional Asmita dedicated the historic achievement to her late father and her coach. She said that her father had always believed in her dreams, and although his passing left her devastated, she chose to keep fighting and ultimately fulfilled the dream they had shared together.

A historic moment for Indian judo

Asmita Dey's gold medal is more than just a personal triumph—it is a landmark achievement for Indian judo and a source of pride for Tripura. Her inspiring journey from a modest background to the top of the Commonwealth podium serves as a powerful reminder that determination, hard work, and perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles.