Asian Games 2026: Asmita Dey Targets Podium Finish, Looks to Sharpen Ne-Waza Skills

New Delhi, September 10: Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey is drawing inspiration from Japan's finest judokas as she prepares for the biggest challenge of her young career at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where she hopes to turn her growing confidence into another major medal.

The 23-year-old Indian judoka, who became the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, believes the Asian Games will present a far tougher test. With several highly ranked athletes in contention, including some of Japan's leading competitors, Dey has been focusing on strengthening her Ne-Waza, the ground-fighting phase of judo, particularly her holds, pins, and submission techniques.

"The Asian Games, as compared to the Commonwealth Games, will be very tough for me because at the Asian Games we have some of the world's best," Dey told PTI Videos. "Our master in judo is Japan, so Japanese judokas are also there. I need to work on my Ne-Waza because if I am in the final, my opponent will most likely be Japanese."

Dey has also been closely studying Japanese star Uta Abe, a five-time world champion and Tokyo Olympic gold medallist in the women's 52kg category. The Indian said Abe's technical ability, particularly her use of grips and throws such as Sode and Uchi-mata, has made a strong impression on her.

While her Commonwealth Games triumph has provided a major confidence boost, Dey admitted that frequent travel since her Glasgow success disrupted her training routine. She is now focused on regaining her rhythm and sharpening her skills ahead of her Asian Games debut.

"I will try my level best with my training and hard work and win a medal for my country at Asian Games as well," Dey said.

With Japan's elite judokas expected to provide a stern challenge, Dey will look to combine the lessons drawn from her Commonwealth success with improved ground-fighting skills as she targets another landmark achievement on the continental stage.