Indian judoka Asmita Dey arrives at the Asian Games less than two months after making history as the first Indian judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold.
Her triumph in Birmingham changed her profile almost overnight. The 24-year-old, who had spent much of her career away from the spotlight, began receiving widespread recognition after her historic achievement.
“Before, no one knew me. But now everyone knows me,” Asmita told TimesofIndia.com, recalling how people began recognising her in public.
Recognition Brings Special Meaning
The new attention means a great deal to Asmita because of the difficult journey behind her success.
Her career has been shaped by sporting opportunities as well as financial uncertainty. Despite the challenges, she continued competing at major international events and gradually built a strong record.
Before her Commonwealth Games triumph, Asmita had won bronze at the Asian Junior Championships in 2022 and gold at the Junior Asia Cup in Macau in 2023. She also won silver at the Asian Open in Kuwait later that year and another podium finish at the African Open in Casablanca in 2025.
She finished fifth at the Asian Senior Championships in Almaty in April this year.
Judo Journey Began Almost by Accident
Asmita’s journey began in Belonia, Tripura, where her introduction to judo was almost accidental.
Her uncle heard about trials at a sports school that included running, jumping and fitness tests. Although Asmita was initially associated with athletics trials, judo eventually became the sport she pursued.
Her aunt recognised her potential and encouraged her to take up judo.
Early Success Encouraged Her
Asmita made an immediate impression after taking up the sport. Within a week, she competed in a jiu-jitsu event and finished first.
Just a few weeks later, she participated in a state-level competition and won gold.
Her family played an important role in supporting her early training. Her brothers would take her to training on a bicycle, while her father often travelled with her from their village on a scooter, even in difficult weather conditions.
“My father used to support me a lot. He never stopped me for a game. My mother never stopped me,” she recalled.
Family Faced Severe Financial Difficulties
Behind Asmita’s sporting achievements were years of financial hardship. She remembers times when her family struggled even to afford food.
She recalled occasions when the family had to sleep after drinking water, while meals sometimes consisted only of rice, salt, chillies and water.
Her mother also had to pawn her only gold earring to raise money. Asmita said the jewellery has still not been recovered and interest on the loan has continued to accumulate.
Dream of Owning a Home
Asmita’s father worked as a bicycle mechanic and took whatever work was available to support the family.
The family spent years living in rented accommodation, and Asmita grew up with the dream of having a house of their own.
She now hopes her success in judo will help her fulfil that dream and repay the sacrifices made by her family.
Despite the hardships, her early victories and encouragement from her coaches gave her the belief that she could build a career in judo.