CWG 2026: Asmita Dey strikes judo gold after Golden Score thriller
Glasgow, July 31
Indian judoka Asmita Dey clinched the women's -48kg gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after defeating Canada's Heidi Quach in a gripping final that went into Golden Score on Friday, according to ESPN.
Asmita prevailed by Yuko (2-1) with a composed and determined display, earning India's first judo gold medal of the Games.
The final began as a closely contested affair, with both judokas engaged in intense grappling and repeatedly forcing each other towards the edge of the mat. Quach struck first midway through the contest with a throw to take the lead.
The Indian responded strongly despite receiving a Shido penalty, producing a quick throw of her own to level the scores. Asmita grew in confidence as the bout progressed, launching several attacking moves while defending resolutely against Quach's attempts to regain the advantage, according to ESPN.
With the scores tied at the end of regulation time, the contest entered Golden Score, where the first scoring action would decide the winner.
Asmita held her nerve in the extra period and executed a well-timed throw near the edge of the mat to secure the decisive Yuko, dramatically sealing the gold medal.
The victory capped an outstanding campaign for the Indian judoka, who had earlier overcome Scotland's Sumer Shaw in a hard-fought semifinal to book her place in the title clash.
India has now so far won 18 medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026, comprising four gold, nine silver and five bronze.
The gold medals have come through Mirabai Chanu (women's 48kg weightlifting), Sharmila Dhankar (women's shot put F57), Dilip Gavit (men's 100m T47) and now Asmita Dey. India have also claimed silver medals through Rishikanta Singh, Muthupandi Raja, Gyaneshwari Yadav, Sarvesh Kushare, Valluri Ajaya Babu, Harjinder Kaur, Gulveer Singh, Murali Sreeshankar, Mohammed Basil and Lovepreet Singh, while bronze medals have been won by Jhandu Kumar, Bindyarani Devi, Shilpa K Shyla and Seema Kaliramna.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good news from CWG! The way she defended in regulation time and then attacked immediately in Golden Score — that's tactical brilliance. Also great to see India's medal tally growing. 18 medals already, and more events to come. Well done, Asmita! 👏👏
Golden Score is such a cruel format — one mistake and it's over. But Asmita handled the pressure like a seasoned pro. The Yuko near the edge of the mat at the right moment shows her composure. Also, credit to the coaching staff for preparing her well for this intensity. Solid performance all around.
Absolutely brilliant! Asmita showing the world that Indian judo has arrived on the big stage. The comeback after the Shido penalty was inspiring — she didn't let the setback affect her focus. 4 gold medals already at these CWG, and this one is surely among the most dramatic. 🥇🇮🇳
What a match! I was literally on the edge of my seat watching this. Asmita's determination to not give up even after being down is what makes champions. The way she found that opening in Golden Score and executed the throw perfectly — textbook stuff. This gold will inspire so many young judokas back home!
Congratulations to Asmita on a fantastic gold medal performance! The Golden Score format really tests your nerve, and she delivered when it mattered most. That Yuko at the edge was perfectly executed. India's judo program is clearly heading in the right direction.
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