India's historic Commonwealth Games judo champion Asmita Dey has found herself at the centre of an eligibility debate just days after scripting history in Glasgow.
The 23-year-old, who became the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal, is now awaiting clarity over whether she qualifies for the ₹1.5 crore cash reward announced by the Uttar Pradesh government for CWG gold medallists.
The controversy has reignited discussions around state sports policies, athlete representation, and the growing trend of sportspersons representing states different from their place of birth.
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Historic Gold for Asmita
Asmita Dey etched her name into Indian sporting history by clinching the women's 48kg judo gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Her victory marked India's maiden Commonwealth Games gold in judo, making it one of the country's standout achievements at the Games. The triumph was celebrated across the nation, with Asmita becoming an inspiration for aspiring judokas.
However, celebrations have now been overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding her eligibility for Uttar Pradesh's financial incentive scheme.
Why Has the Eligibility Issue Emerged?
The Uttar Pradesh government offers a ₹1.5 crore cash reward to athletes who win gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
While Asmita currently serves as a Sub-Inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police, having joined the force in 2023, and represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic judo competitions, her permanent family residence is in Tripura.
This has created uncertainty over whether she meets the state's eligibility criteria for receiving the financial reward.
The issue highlights a broader challenge in Indian sports, where many elite athletes relocate for employment opportunities or compete for states that provide better infrastructure and institutional support while retaining their original domicile elsewhere.
UP Judo Association Backs Asmita
The Uttar Pradesh Judo Association has strongly supported Asmita's claim to the reward.
Association secretary Munawar Anzar pointed out that the judoka has consistently represented Uttar Pradesh in national competitions and has delivered significant success for the state.
Before her Commonwealth Games triumph, Asmita won the gold medal for Uttar Pradesh at the Senior National Judo Championship in Imphal, Manipur, further strengthening her association with the state.
According to the association, her contribution to Uttar Pradesh's sporting success should be an important factor in determining her eligibility.
State Government Yet to Take Final Call
The Uttar Pradesh government has not reached a final decision on the matter.
Sports Director R.P. Singh said the department is currently preparing the official list of Commonwealth Games participants and medallists before forwarding recommendations in accordance with the existing government policy.
Meanwhile, UP Sports Secretary Suhas L.Y. assured that every eligible athlete would receive the benefits they are entitled to. He added that the designated authorities would examine Asmita's case before arriving at a decision based on policy provisions.
Awaiting Clarity
For now, Asmita Dey remains India's perfect Commonwealth Games judo champion whose achievement has already secured a place in the country's sporting history.
Whether that historic gold also earns her Uttar Pradesh's promised ₹1.5 crore cash reward will depend on the state's interpretation of its eligibility rules in the coming days.