Agartala, Aug 12 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that Asmita Dey’s historic gold medal‑winning performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she became the country’s first judoka to win a gold medal, has brought glory to both Tripura and the nation.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing a reception ceremony organised in honour of Asmita Dey by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala. At the ceremony, he handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to Asmita Dey on behalf of the state government. A land allotment document was also handed over to her family.
Saha said the people of Tripura had so far known gymnast Deepa Karmakar as the state’s ‘Golden Girl’ and taken immense pride in her achievements. “Today, Asmita Dey has established herself as the second name in that list. Coming from a very ordinary family in Sonaichari village of Belonia subdivision in South Tripura, Asmita has made Tripura’s name shine on the world stage through her hard work, concentration and indomitable willpower. Her success is a matter of pride for the entire state,” he said.
Recalling Asmita’s struggles, the Chief Minister said he had learnt about the difficult circumstances faced by her family. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by her family in supporting her sporting career. After learning about her housing difficulties, Saha and Sports Minister Tinku Roy decided to provide land to her family, which was implemented on Wednesday.
Although Asmita is currently working under the Uttar Pradesh Police Department, the Chief Minister assured her that the Tripura government would always stand by her and extend all possible support.
Highlighting the development of sports infrastructure in Tripura, Saha said the condition of facilities had once been poor but had now changed radically. “Modern synthetic football fields, hockey fields and high‑quality stadiums have been developed in the state. Sportspersons from different states are also impressed by the development of Tripura’s sports infrastructure. The state government is also honouring successful sportspersons,” he said.
He added that initiatives were aimed not only at encouraging the current generation but also at recognising the contribution of renowned sportspersons, including those no longer alive. “Various sports infrastructures have been named after many sportspersons, which will serve as an inspiration to the future generation,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the contribution of Arjuna Awardees Montu Debnath, Kalpana Debnath and Somdev Debbarman. Addressing students present, he said overall development was not possible if education remained confined to academics alone. “A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Therefore, along with studies, students should also give importance to sports. There is no dearth of talent in Tripura. The state’s sportspersons have already earned a reputation in various disciplines, and their achievements have been appreciated both in the country and abroad,” he said.
Saha said there was now a golden opportunity for young people to pursue sports as a profession. Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Youth Affairs and Sports Department Secretary Tapas Roy, Department Director L. Darlong and other officials and dignitaries were present at the reception.
The 23‑year‑old became India’s first‑ever judo gold medallist by beating Canada’s Heidi Quach 2‑1 thanks to a dramatic Golden Score, which secured her the women’s 48kg title at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Asmita was born on March 22, 2003, in Belonia, South Tripura district, and comes from a modest family. She is the daughter of Arjun Kumar Dey, who ran a bicycle repair shop, and initially took part in the 800 metres before a coach introduced her to judo after noticing her potential. Her father died a few years back.
–IANS
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