CWG 2026: Asmita Dey Wins India's First Judo Gold After Golden Score Thriller

Asmita Dey delivered one of India's most dramatic victories of the Commonwealth Games 2026, fighting back from behind before clinching the country's first judo gold medal in a gripping Golden Score final in Glasgow.

Competing in the women's -48kg category, the Indian judoka defeated Canada's Heidi Quach by Yuko (2-1) after an intense contest that stretched into extra time.

The final was a tactical battle from the outset, with both athletes locked in fierce exchanges and repeatedly forcing each other to the edge of the mat. Quach struck first with a well-executed throw to take the lead, putting the Indian under pressure.

Dey, however, refused to panic.

Despite receiving a Shido penalty, she responded with a perfectly timed throw to draw level before taking control of the momentum. She continued to press forward while defending resolutely, ensuring the scores remained tied at the end of regulation time.

With the match heading into Golden Score, where the next successful move would decide the champion, Dey produced her finest moment.

She executed a clinical throw near the edge of the mat to score the decisive Yuko, sparking celebrations as she sealed a memorable gold medal for India.

The triumph capped an outstanding campaign for the Indian judoka, who had earlier edged past Scotland's Sumer Shaw in a hard-fought Golden Score semifinal to book her place in the title clash.

Dey's victory also took India's gold tally to four at the Commonwealth Games 2026, adding to the titles won by Mirabai Chanu, Sharmila Dhankar and Dilip Gavit, while further strengthening India's impressive medal haul in Glasgow.

(With inputs from ANI)