Asmita Dey’s Inspiring Journey to Gold at the Commonwealth Games
Asmita Dey has made history by becoming the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. This incredible achievement came after she defeated Canada’s Heidi Quach in the women’s 48kg final held in Glasgow.
The 23-year-old athlete shared that her journey to this victory was not only about intense training but also deeply influenced by the story of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. After losing her father to a brain stroke last year, Asmita turned to Ronaldo’s life as a source of strength. She admired how he overcame personal challenges, such as losing his father at a young age, to become one of the world’s best players.
“I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. His struggles and successes really inspire me,” she said in an interview with Sony Sports. “Despite losing his father at 19, he rose to greatness, and the world knows him today. His story has taught me so much.”
Asmita’s own path has been filled with difficulties. Her father, Arjun Dey, a bicycle mechanic in Tripura, passed away in December 2025, shortly before she qualified for the Commonwealth Games. This loss made her question her future in judo, but with her mother’s encouragement, she returned to training, aiming to fulfill her father’s dream for her.
Born in Belonia, South Tripura, Asmita grew up in humble surroundings where money was tight. Her father’s hard work supported her ambitions in sports, leading her to join a training center in Bhopal and eventually secure a job with the Uttar Pradesh Police through the sports quota.
The journey to Glasgow was challenging. Asmita dealt with anxiety and sleepless nights, always thinking about the big opportunity ahead. However, her hard work paid off. She defeated Scottish opponents Eva Ewing and Sarah Adlington before facing Heidi Quach in a nail-biting match, winning by yuko in a Golden Score final.
Standing on the podium, Asmita felt a mix of happiness and sadness. She wished her father could be there to share this moment, but she knew she was chasing a dream that he had always supported. Inspired by Ronaldo’s resilience, Asmita delivered a performance that not only defined her career but also marked a significant moment in Indian judo history.
