Commonwealth Games 2026: Asmita Dey Creates History, Wins India's First-Ever Judo Gold

Indian judoka Asmita Dey etched her name into the history books by becoming the country's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medallist, producing a remarkable performance to defeat Canada's Heidi Quach in the women's -48kg final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.

The 23-year-old from Tripura emerged victorious after a gripping contest that extended into Golden Score, eventually winning by Yuko (2-1) to deliver a landmark achievement for Indian judo.

Asmita's triumph capped a memorable day in which she battled through pressure-filled knockout rounds, defeated home favourite Summer Shaw in a dramatic semifinal, and then held her nerve in an intense final to create one of the biggest moments in Indian judo history.

No Indian judoka had ever stood on top of the Commonwealth Games podium before Asmita stepped onto the mat against Canada's Heidi Quach. The significance of the occasion was evident from the opening moments as both competitors adopted cautious tactics, fully aware that a single mistake could decide the gold medal.

The contest began scrappily, with both judokas engaging in physical grappling exchanges near the edge of the contest area while searching for an opening. Asmita nearly secured an early advantage when she attempted to lock Quach's left arm, but the Canadian escaped just in time before the hold could be completed.

The missed opportunity highlighted how evenly matched the two finalists were.

As the bout progressed, Quach gradually began applying greater pressure. The Canadian eventually opened the scoring midway through regulation time with a Yuko, following a successful attacking sequence that briefly put Asmita on the back foot. The Indian also received a Shido penalty, increasing the pressure as she now trailed both on the scoreboard and in discipline. Facing the possibility of letting the contest slip away, Asmita responded with remarkable composure.

Instead of becoming defensive, she raised the intensity of her attacks. Her persistence paid off when she executed an excellent throw followed by a controlled pin that earned her a Yuko, bringing the scores level at 1-1. The equaliser completely shifted momentum and ensured the contest remained alive heading into the closing stages of regulation.

Golden Score Decides the Champion

Neither judoka could find another scoring move before time expired, sending the final into Golden Score, where the first athlete to register a score would immediately be crowned champion. The pressure could hardly have been greater. One successful attack would determine not only the gold medal but also whether India would finally claim its first Commonwealth Games title in judo.

Asmita entered the extra period with renewed confidence. She continued pressing forward while remaining disciplined defensively whenever Quach attempted to counter.

After several tense exchanges, the decisive moment finally arrived. Near the edge of the contest area, Asmita executed a perfectly timed attacking move that resulted in another Yuko, instantly ending the bout. The Indian immediately realised what she had achieved.

After maintaining complete focus throughout the contest, her smile finally emerged as she celebrated the biggest victory of her career with heart-shaped gestures towards the crowd.

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Asmita's historic triumph was built on an equally demanding semifinal earlier in the day. Facing Scotland's Summer Shaw, a four-time senior British champion, the Indian was involved in one of the longest and most closely contested bouts of the competition. Neither athlete managed to score during regulation time as both displayed exceptional defensive discipline.

Asmita received the first Shido penalty late in the contest, but she refused to let it affect her rhythm. With the scores still level after regulation, the semifinal also entered Golden Score. The overtime lasted more than two minutes before Asmita finally produced the breakthrough, throwing Shaw onto the mat and controlling the position long enough to secure a Yuko.

The victory not only sent her into the final but also guaranteed India its first judo medal of the Games. At that stage, she had already ensured at least a silver medal. A few hours later, she would transform that silver into gold. 

One of the most impressive aspects of Asmita's campaign was her ability to remain calm under immense pressure. Twice during the day she found herself contesting Golden Score situations where a single mistake would have ended her medal hopes. On both occasions, it was the Indian who found the decisive scoring move. Her tactical awareness, defensive resilience and willingness to attack at crucial moments separated her from her opponents.

Against Heidi Quach, she also demonstrated remarkable mental strength after trailing during regulation, refusing to panic despite facing both a points deficit and a Shido penalty. Instead, she trusted her techniques and gradually wrestled control of the contest back in her favour.

Asmita Dey's gold medal is one of the most significant achievements in the history of Indian judo. Although Indian judokas have previously reached the Commonwealth Games podium, none had managed to secure a gold medal before the Tripura athlete's breakthrough performance in Glasgow. The victory reflects the steady growth of Indian judo over recent years, with increased international exposure and stronger domestic competition producing athletes capable of challenging the Commonwealth's best.

At just 23 years of age, Asmita has already achieved a career-defining milestone, but her performance also suggests there is considerable room for further progress on the international stage.

Asmita's success also highlighted one of India's finest days in Commonwealth Games judo history. Her title was followed by another outstanding performance from teammate Harsh Singh, who also captured gold in the men's -60kg category, making it a memorable day for the Indian contingent.

For Asmita, however, the achievement carries a unique place in history. By becoming India's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo champion, she has not only secured a gold medal but also inspired the next generation of Indian judokas.

Her composed performances, ability to thrive under pressure, and historic victory in Glasgow will be remembered as one of the defining moments of India's campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.