Agartala, August 12: Tripura’s Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, honored Commonwealth Games gold medalist Asmita Dey on Wednesday at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala. The state government presented Asmita with a check of 1 million rupees and announced the allocation of 2.5 guntas of land in Agartala. The event was attended by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Tinku Roy, and Olympian gymnast Dipa Karmakar.
Asmita Dey secured the gold medal in the women’s 48-kilogram judo event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, making her the first judoka to achieve this feat in the competition.
The Chief Minister stated that athletes like Asmita and Dipa Karmakar have inspired generations of players in Tripura. He expressed confidence that Asmita’s achievement would motivate the new generation to take up sports. Dr. Saha remarked, “Dipa Karmakar is a source of inspiration for athletes. Now, Asmita will also become an inspiration for others.”
Emphasizing the need for greater youth participation in sports, the Chief Minister noted that it would not only enhance physical fitness but also contribute to mental development and the welfare of society and the state. He added that it would help combat substance abuse and promote women’s empowerment.
He stated, “Tripura has immense talent, and the state government is providing various facilities. I urge the youth to engage more in sports. This will lead to physical and mental development, benefiting individuals, society, the state, and the country.”
Dr. Saha also mentioned that those aspiring to pursue sports professionally could improve their performance by utilizing coaching and government support, leading to further successes for the state.
The Chief Minister highlighted Dipa Karmakar’s presence at the event as significant, showcasing women’s empowerment through sports.
After receiving her honor, Asmita appeared emotional. The young judoka expressed her gratitude to the state government and the people of Tripura for their warm welcome and support, saying, “Thank you to the government. I am very happy to be welcomed this way. I have won a medal for India and my state, and I am very grateful for all the support I have received.” Looking ahead, Asmita mentioned that her focus would now be on the Asian Games and the Olympics.
Asmita stated, “The Asian Games and the Olympics are ahead of me. I will have to work very hard and prepare well. I will do my utmost to bring medals for my country and state.”
Her achievement marks a significant milestone for Tripura’s sports scene, especially as the state government encourages more youth to consider sports as a career. On this occasion, Asmita’s former and current coaches were also honored.
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