Glasgow: In a moment that blended triumph with deep emotion, Asmita Dey created history by becoming the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Yet, for the 23-year-old, the victory carried a profound personal void — the one person she most wanted to share the moment with, her father, was no longer there.
Asmita’s father, a cycle mechanic from a small village in Tripura, passed away due to a brain stroke just seven months before her historic achievement. As she stood on the podium, the gold medal symbolised not just sporting excellence but also a tribute to the man who had been the backbone of her journey.
“When my father passed away, I thought everything had finished because he was the one who supported me,” Asmita said, struggling to contain her emotions after her win.
A journey shaped by hardship and resilience
Asmita’s rise to the top has been anything but easy. Growing up in a modest mud house in rural Tripura, financial constraints were a constant challenge. Her father earned around Rs 300 a day repairing bicycles, barely enough to sustain the family. Yet, he never allowed these limitations to hinder his daughter’s ambitions.
In a region where pursuing professional sports is often seen as unrealistic, her father stood firm in his belief. He encouraged her to dream big, even when circumstances suggested otherwise.
“I am from a very small village in Tripura. People there don’t dream this big. But Papa always supported me,” she recalled.
His commitment went beyond emotional encouragement. When Asmita suffered a knee injury that threatened her career, he took her to Delhi for treatment, arranging for medical care despite limited resources. That support proved crucial in keeping her dream alive.
Loss, doubt, and a mother’s strength
The sudden loss of her father in December last year left Asmita devastated. For a time, she believed her journey in judo had come to an end. The emotional and psychological impact of losing her biggest supporter was overwhelming.
However, it was her mother who ensured that the dream did not fade. Just 10 days after the funeral, she urged Asmita to return to training, reminding her of her father’s aspirations.
“If I stop you today, your father will think I am shattering your dreams,” her mother told her.
Those words became a turning point. Asmita returned to training at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bhopal, determined to honour her father’s legacy.
Battling anxiety on the road to gold
Despite her resolve, the journey to the Commonwealth Games was mentally taxing. Asmita revealed that she struggled with anxiety and sleepless nights in the lead-up to the competition.
“I have worked so hard for this. Before this medal, I was unable to sleep. I used to stay awake thinking about the fights. Even if my body was tired, I was not able to sleep,” she said.
The pressure followed her to Glasgow, where she continued to battle nerves while preparing for her bouts. Yet, she channelled that anxiety into determination, constantly reminding herself of her goal to win.
Her discipline extended even to small personal sacrifices. A favourite sweet, ‘laung latta’, brought home by her brother, remained untouched as she stayed focused on her preparation.
A gold that rewrites history
On the day of the final, all the sacrifices culminated in a performance that etched her name into the record books. Asmita’s victory not only secured her a gold medal but also marked a historic first for Indian judo at the Commonwealth Games.
The achievement is a significant milestone for the sport in India, which has often struggled for recognition compared to other disciplines. Her success is expected to inspire a new generation of judokas, especially from smaller towns and villages.
Conclusion
Asmita Dey’s gold medal is more than just a sporting achievement — it is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. From a small village in Tripura to the top of the Commonwealth Games podium, her journey reflects the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
While her father could not witness the moment, his presence was deeply felt in every step of her journey. In many ways, the gold medal belongs as much to him as it does to her — a testament to a dream nurtured against all odds and fulfilled on one of the biggest stages in sport.