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

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Ashmita Dey is aiming to end India's 32-year medal drought in judo at the Asian Games. The 24-year-old, who became the first Indian judoka to win Commonwealth gold, will compete in the women's -48kg category against a challenging field that includes Mongolia's Narantsetseg Ganbaatar and Kazakhstan's Abiba Abuzhakynova.

Dey overcame severe financial hardship during her upbringing in Belonia, Tripura, as well as the loss of her father in 2025 shortly before trials. Following her international success, Dey was promoted to deputy superintendent of police in the Uttar Pradesh Police, bringing financial security as she prepares for the tournament.