NEW DELHI: India’s Asmita Dey fought back tears after creating history at the Commonwealth Games 2026, dedicating her landmark women’s 48kg judo gold medal to her late father, coach and everyone who stood by her during the toughest phase of her life.The 23-year-old from Tripura, settled in Varanasi, became India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medallist, defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach by Yuko (2-1) in a gripping golden score final in Glasgow.Speaking to ANI after the biggest victory of her career, an emotional Asmita recalled how the death of her father in December 2025 had almost broken her spirit before she found the strength to rebuild.
‘I felt everything was over’
“It feels very good. This is my first Commonwealth Games, and I have won a gold medal in it. I am very happy today. This medal was very important for my country, my police department, my state and everyone. I dedicate it to my coach,” Asmita said.Remembering her father, she added: “My father, who passed away in December 2025, had supported me a lot, but I felt that everything was over after his death. But two months later, the Asian Games trials took place, in which I stood first at the national level.”Speaking to IANS, Asmita also thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for providing her employment in the state police, saying the job helped support her family and continue her sporting career.“I am so happy with the gold. This is for all who supported me. I also want to thank Yogi ji for giving me the job in UP Police,” she said.
Historic victory after dramatic final
Asmita endured a tense battle against Quach, who struck first with a yuko midway through the contest. Despite receiving a Shido penalty, the Indian responded with a superb throw to level the scores before holding her nerve in the golden score period.She eventually produced a decisive throw near the edge of the mat to seal the winning Yuko, becoming the first Indian judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold.Asmita also revealed she had to skip breakfast before the final to remain under the required weight for the random weigh-in.The celebrations continued for India as Harsh Singh later defeated Australia’s Joshua Katz to win the men’s 60kg title, giving India a historic double gold in judo.The twin triumphs lifted India’s tally to 19 medals, including five gold, and marked a breakthrough moment for Indian judo on the Commonwealth stage.
