“A Major Impact in Northeast and India”: Asmita Dey’s Mother on Daughter’s Historic Commonwealth Games Triumph

The Northeast has long punched above its weight in India's Olympic sporting story. From Mary Kom's boxing brilliance to Mirabai Chanu's weightlifting triumphs, athletes from the region have repeatedly carried the tricolour to the biggest international stages. Tripura, too, had its moment in the spotlight when Dipa Karmakar's daring routines turned gymnastics into a talking point across the country. But judo had largely remained away from that spotlight.

However, that changed in Glasgow, when Tripura's judoka Asmita Dey scripted history by winning the first gold at the Commonwealth Games. Dey became the first judoka to win a gold medal at the international stage.

For Asmita's mother, the landmark victory is more than just another medal for India. In an exclusive conversation with MyKhel, she said her daughter's gold could be the "eureka moment" for judo in the Northeast, inspiring youngsters across the region to take up a sport that has long lived in the shadow of more popular disciplines.

Where it all began?

Asmita's story is rooted in Tripura. Before the Commonwealth Games podium and the national spotlight, there were training sessions, local competitions and coaches who helped introduce her to the sport.

"Her first coach, Bina Debnath from Belonia, played an important role in her early development. She later trained under Pranab and Manik at the Agartala Sports Academy.
Judo may not have the mass appeal of cricket or football in India, but for Asmita, it became the sport through which she would eventually find her place on the national stage."

After competing at the state level, she travelled to Delhi in pursuit of bigger opportunities. The move meant stepping away from familiar surroundings and entering a more competitive sporting environment.

Joining the Sports Authority of India proved to be another major turning point. Her mother recalled the significant improvement in her daughter's game after she entered the SAI system.

From there, Asmita continued to climb, taking on stronger competition and establishing herself as a serious judoka.

Asmita Dey CWG triumph: Beyond the medal

The CWG gold is not simply a medal to be added to India's tally. It represents the culmination of years of training and sacrifice - and a breakthrough for a sport that has often existed in the shadow of India's more popular disciplines.
Dey's triumph was particularly significant because it delivered India's first-ever judo gold at CWG.

It also became India's 12th judo medal in the history of the Games, adding to the country's five silver and six bronze medals. But before she stood at the top of the podium, Asmita had to navigate a demanding day of competition. She defeated Scotland's Eva Ewing in the quarterfinals and then overcame Summer Shaw in the semifinals to reach the gold-medal bout.

The final against Canada's Heidi Quach was another test of composure. Dey eventually prevailed 2-1 in the Golden Score, securing her place in CWG history.

A journey beyond sport

Asmita's career has also been shaped by the practical realities that confront many Indian athletes. She later joined the Uttar Pradesh government and is now serving as an Assistant Sub-Inspector.

The job has provided her with financial stability, something that can be crucial for athletes trying to sustain long sporting careers. For her family, therefore, the medal represents much more than sporting glory. It is proof that the years of travelling, training and pushing through difficult moments have led somewhere extraordinary.

And for the Northeast, Asmita's success carries another layer of significance.
Her mother believes the achievement can inspire young athletes across the region to consider sports such as judo as a serious career path.

The Northeast has produced several talented athletes, but achievements such as Asmita's can help broaden the sporting imagination of a new generation.

Eying the next level

For now, Asmita's family is still waiting. The medal has been won. History has been made. The congratulatory messages have arrived.

But the real celebration will begin when Asmita comes home. For Asmita Dey, the gold medal is a historic first for Indian judo. For her family, it is the reward for years of belief.