"For the First Time, India Will Notice Judo": Asmita Dey After Historic CWG Gold

Until a few days ago, judo in India largely lived in the shadows. On Tuesday morning, Asmita Dey hopes that changed forever.

Fresh off winning gold in the women's 48kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 22-year-old wasn't just celebrating her own triumph. She was celebrating what she believes is a turning point for Indian judo after the country returned home with its best-ever Commonwealth Games haul in the sport: two gold medals, one silver and one bronze.

"It feels very good. This is the first time that India has won two golds, one silver and one bronze in judo. It is a very big thing. Now people will recognise judo well in India. I want more children to take part in this and play," Asmita told ANI after receiving a warm welcome at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Asmita scripted history by defeating Canada's Heidi Quach in a nerve-shredding women's -48kg final that went into Golden Score. Trailing midway through the bout, the Indian judoka refused to panic. She fought back to level the contest before producing a decisive Yuko in extra time to clinch India's first judo gold medal of the Games.

Harsh Singh later added another gold, while Yamini Mourya claimed silver and Unnati Sharma secured bronze, completing India's unprecedented four-medal haul in judo.

Looking back at the dramatic final, Asmita said the comeback was powered by a simple belief.

"I was determined that I had to take the gold only, so that is why I had to win," she said.

For Asmita, however, the medals may prove to be only part of the legacy. If more children walk into judo academies after watching India's Glasgow campaign, she believes the sport would have won its biggest victory yet.

(With inputs from ANI)