India's Asmita Dey has secured a medal after reaching the women's 48kg Judo final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a hard-fought victory over Scotland's Summer Shaw on Friday.
Competing in the semifinal at SEC Hall 4, Dey displayed composure and tactical discipline in a closely contested bout. The Indian judoka clinched the contest by Yuko (1-0), with the decisive score proving enough to separate the two athletes after 6 minutes and 27 seconds of action.
The victory sends Dey into the gold medal bout and guarantees India a podium finish in the women's -48kg category. She remained patient throughout the encounter before capitalising on her opportunity to register the match-winning Yuko against the Scottish judoka.
She continued her impressive
run earlier, securing a dominant 100-0 victory over Scotland's Eva Ewing in the Women's 48kg quarter-finals to book her place in the semi-finals and move within one win of the gold medal bout.
The Indian judoka looked in complete control throughout the contest, showcasing sharp technique and composure on the tatami to overpower her Scottish opponent.
With the victory, Asmita guaranteed herself at least a chance to compete for a medal, as losing semi-finalists enter the bronze-medal repechage under the competition format.
Hailing from Belonia in South Tripura, the 23-year-old has emerged as one of India's brightest prospects in the 48kg category. Interestingly, Asmita began her sporting journey as an athlete before switching to judo, a decision that transformed her career. She currently trains at the Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence in Bhopal under coach Yashpal Solanki and has steadily established herself on the international circuit.
Asmita's Father has been has Biggest Inspiration
Away from the mat, Asmita serves with the Uttar Pradesh Police, balancing the demands of elite sport with her professional responsibilities. She also shares a close bond with her family, who have been her biggest source of motivation throughout her journey. Her father has been an inspiration to her and has been with her every step of her life. Although he passed away last year, Asmita still has a vivid presence of her father in his life.
The past year, however, has been emotionally challenging after she lost her father in December 2025. Despite the personal tragedy, Asmita has displayed remarkable resilience, using the setback as motivation to pursue success on the international stage.
Her rise has been backed by consistent performances, including gold at the 2023 Junior Asia Cup in Macau, silver at the 2023 Asian Open in Kuwait, and the 2025 Casablanca African Open title. She also finished fifth at the 2026 Asian Senior Championships, underlining her credentials against top-level opposition.
Now just one victory away from the Commonwealth Games final, Asmita stands on the brink of creating another memorable chapter in her inspiring journey as India banks on her for a CWG medal.
