Birmingham: India scripted a memorable moment in judo at the Commonwealth Games 2026, as rising judoka Asmita Dey clinched the country’s first-ever gold medal in the sport at the Games. Competing in the women’s -48kg category, Asmita delivered a composed and determined performance to defeat Canada’s Heidi Quach in a gripping final that went into Golden Score.
What made the victory even more compelling was the inspiration behind it — global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, whose life story and perseverance played a crucial role in motivating the young Indian athlete.
A historic moment for Indian judo
Asmita’s gold medal marked a significant milestone for Indian judo, a sport that has traditionally struggled to secure top podium finishes at major international events. Her victory not only added a gold to India’s tally but also highlighted the growing depth of talent in the discipline.
The final began as an intense and evenly matched contest, with both judokas engaging in tactical grappling and attempting to outmanoeuvre each other. Midway through the bout, Quach gained an advantage with a well-executed throw, putting pressure on the Indian.
However, Asmita responded with resilience. Despite receiving a Shido penalty, she quickly levelled the score with a sharp counter-attack. As the bout progressed, she displayed increasing confidence, combining aggressive attacks with solid defence to keep her opponent at bay.
With the scores tied at the end of regulation time, the contest moved into Golden Score — a sudden-death phase where the first successful scoring move determines the winner. Holding her nerve, Asmita executed a decisive throw near the edge of the mat to score a Yuko and seal the gold medal.
The Ronaldo connection
Following her victory, Asmita revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo has been her biggest source of inspiration. She spoke about closely following the footballer’s journey and drawing strength from his struggles and achievements.
According to Asmita, Ronaldo’s rise from adversity — including personal loss at a young age — to becoming one of the greatest footballers in the world has been a powerful motivator. His discipline, consistency and relentless pursuit of excellence have influenced her own approach to sport.
Her remarks reflect the far-reaching impact of global sporting icons, whose stories often transcend disciplines and inspire athletes across different fields.
Strong showing by Indian contingent
Asmita was not the only Indian judoka to shine at the Games. The country enjoyed a successful outing overall, with multiple podium finishes boosting its medal tally.
Harsh Singh secured a gold medal, while Yamini Mourya clinched silver. Unnati Sharma added to the tally with a bronze medal. Together, these performances took India’s judo medal count to four, marking a strong campaign for the team.
A boost for the sport in India
Asmita’s achievement is expected to provide a major boost to judo in India, inspiring young athletes to take up the sport. Success at a high-profile event like the Commonwealth Games often leads to increased visibility, better funding and improved infrastructure.
Sports experts believe that such landmark victories can help broaden India’s medal prospects in future multi-sport events, including the Asian Games and the Olympics.
Conclusion
Asmita Dey’s gold medal win is not just a personal triumph but a historic moment for Indian judo. Backed by determination and inspired by the journey of Cristiano Ronaldo, her achievement underscores the power of perseverance and belief.
As India continues to expand its presence across diverse sporting disciplines, stories like Asmita’s serve as a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere — and that dedication can turn it into history.