Asmita Dey from Belonia, South Tripura, scripted history by becoming India’s first Commonwealth Games judo gold medallist after defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach 2-1. The Khelo India athlete’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings highlights India’s growing dominance in international judo.
In a landmark achievement for Indian sports, Asmita Dey, a 23-year-old judoka from Belonia in South Tripura, scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in judo at the Commonwealth Games. The talented Khelo India athlete defeated Canada’s Heidi Quach 2-1 in a thrilling women’s 48kg final at the Commonwealth Games 2026, bringing immense pride to Tripura and the entire nation.
The championship bout was an intense contest that showcased determination, resilience and tactical brilliance. Asmita found herself under pressure in the early stages after conceding a yuko and receiving a penalty, allowing Quach to establish an early advantage. However, the Indian judoka refused to give up. Displaying remarkable composure, she gradually turned the contest around with aggressive attacks and equalised the score at 1-1 shortly after the midway point of the four-minute bout.
Neither athlete managed to secure the decisive point during regulation time despite several fierce exchanges, forcing the final into the Golden Score period, where the first scoring action determines the winner. Keeping her nerves under immense pressure, Asmita launched a decisive attack in sudden-death overtime and earned another yuko, sealing a memorable 2-1 victory and securing India’s historic first Commonwealth Games judo gold medal.
The victory marked the culmination of an outstanding campaign in Glasgow, where Asmita consistently displayed exceptional technical ability, defensive discipline and tactical awareness throughout the competition. Her performances in the earlier rounds had already established her as one of the tournament favourites, and she saved her best for the final against the experienced Canadian opponent.
Asmita’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspirational. Born into a humble family in Belonia, South Tripura, she is the daughter of a bicycle mechanic and overcame significant financial hardships to pursue her dream of becoming an elite athlete. Before entering judo, she competed in the 800 metres athletics event, but her life changed after being introduced to the sport by her first coach.
She joined the Tripura Sports School in 2015, where she trained under coach Manik Lal Deb. Her outstanding performances in National School Games and Khelo India competitions earned her admission to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence in Bhopal in 2018. Since then, she has steadily established herself among India’s finest judokas in the women’s 48kg category.
Asmita’s international career has been marked by consistent success. Her achievements include a gold medal at the 2025 African Open in Casablanca, a gold medal at the 2023 Junior Asia Cup Judo Championships in Macau, a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Open in Kuwait City, a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Junior Judo Championships in Bangkok, and a bronze medal at the 2024 Commonwealth Judo Championships. Earlier this year, she also secured an impressive fifth-place finish at the Senior Asian Judo Championships 2026, further proving her credentials on the international stage.
Her Commonwealth Games triumph has now elevated her into Indian sporting history while underlining the rapid progress of Indian judo on the global stage. The victory is expected to inspire countless young athletes, particularly aspiring judokas from smaller towns and rural regions, proving that determination and perseverance can overcome financial and social barriers.
Asmita’s achievement also represents a historic milestone for Tripura. Until now, the state’s most celebrated Commonwealth Games performance belonged to gymnastics star Deepa Karmakar, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. By capturing gold, Asmita has created a new chapter in Tripura’s sporting legacy.
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Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha congratulated the young champion, describing her victory as a proud and historic moment for the state. He praised her dedication, discipline and unwavering self-belief, expressing confidence that her remarkable success would motivate countless young sportspersons across India.
The Tripura Judo Association also extended heartfelt congratulations, recognising the years of hard work put in by Asmita, her coaches and support staff. Her success stands as a shining example of the effectiveness of India’s grassroots sports development programmes, including Khelo India and the Sports Authority of India.
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Asmita Dey’s remarkable rise from the remote village of Barpathari in Belonia to the top of the Commonwealth Games podium is a story of grit, sacrifice and excellence. Her historic gold medal not only strengthens India’s medal tally in Glasgow but also establishes her as one of the country’s brightest sporting icons, inspiring future generations to dream big and strive for international glory.
