From days without food to CWG gold: Ashmita faces India’s 32-year judo wait at Asian Games

Ashmita Dey carries a remarkable journey into the 2026 Asian Games after becoming the first Indian judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold. From growing up amid food shortages and a pawned gold earring to losing her father before the CWG, Dey has fought through financial hardship, injury and grief. Now a DSP in the Uttar Pradesh Police, she faces a strong Asian field and India’s 32-year wait for another judo medal.