Asmita Dey's Historic CWG Gold Faces UP Reward Eligibility Doubt

Indian judoka Asmita Dey created history by winning the country’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo, defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach in the women’s 48kg final. Her victory was secured through a decisive scoring move during the Golden Score period after the two competitors remained level at the end of regulation time.

The 23-year-old athlete from Tripura fell behind early in the contest after conceding a yuko and receiving a penalty. Quach appeared to control the opening stages, but Asmita increased her attacking intensity and levelled the score at 1-1 shortly after the midpoint of the four-minute regulation period.

Neither athlete managed to produce the winning score during the remaining regulation time, sending the contest into Golden Score, where the first valid scoring action determines the winner. Asmita maintained her composure and launched a successful attack in overtime, earning another yuko to secure the gold medal and complete a determined comeback.

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Following her historic performance, questions have emerged over Asmita’s eligibility for a ₹1.5 crore cash reward offered by the Uttar Pradesh government to Commonwealth Games gold medallists. Although she was born in Tripura, Asmita represents Uttar Pradesh in national events and has served as a sub-inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police since 2023.

An Uttar Pradesh government order issued in August 2024 outlines three conditions for athletes seeking state rewards. An eligible sportsperson must be a bona fide resident of Uttar Pradesh, must have studied at a recognised college or university in the state for at least two years and must have represented Uttar Pradesh in international sporting events. It remains unclear whether Asmita satisfies every requirement.

Uttar Pradesh Sports Director RP Singh said officials were finalising the list of winners and participants from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow who may receive state recognition. No final decision on Asmita’s eligibility has been announced. If her case is approved under the government’s criteria, she would receive ₹1.5 crore for her gold-medal performance.

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