Indian judoka Asmita Dey created history on Friday by becoming the first athlete from the country to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo in the women’s 48kg category after defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach in a closely contested final in Glasgow.
The landmark achievement carried deep personal significance for the 23-year-old athlete from Tripura. Among the first people she wished she could share the victory with was her father, who passed away seven months ago after suffering a brain stroke.
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Asmita’s father worked as a cycle mechanic in their village and supported the family on a modest income while raising them in a mud house. Despite financial hardship, he encouraged his daughter’s sporting ambitions and remained a constant source of support throughout her journey.
Her gold medal marks a milestone for Indian judo and stands as a testament to years of perseverance, sacrifice and determination. For Asmita, the victory is not only a historic achievement for the country but also a tribute to the father whose belief in her helped shape her path to success.
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The triumph adds another memorable chapter to India’s sporting achievements and is expected to inspire aspiring judokas across the nation. ![]()


