“I was overjoyed, cannot put into words how proud I feel”: Dipa Karmakar on Asmita Dey’s historic gold in CWG

She praised Asmita’s achievement as a reflection of the rich sporting talent from the North East and said the victory would have made her late father extremely proud.

Karmakar congratulated the young judoka and wished her continued success ahead.

Asmita Dey staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the women’s 48kg judo gold medal, defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach in a thrilling golden score contest at the Commonwealth Games.

“Huge congratulations to the entire nation on this historic first gold medal in judo (48 kg category). I was overjoyed when I saw the news last night; I cannot put into words how proud I feel. The North East is home to so much talent, and Asmita, who hails from the region, has fulfilled her father’s dream. Although her father is no longer with us, wherever he is, he would be incredibly proud. I extend my very best wishes to her,” Karmakar told ANI.

The contest remained tightly fought throughout, with both judokas battling for control and neither giving the other much room to attack.

Quach struck first with a throw to take the lead, but Asmita responded under pressure. After receiving a Shido penalty, the Indian stepped up her aggression and produced a quick throw to level the scores. The bout remained locked at the end of regulation time, forcing the contest into Golden Score.

With the first score in extra time deciding the winner, Asmita held her nerve and executed a well-timed throw near the edge of the mat to secure the decisive point and seal a memorable gold medal.