NEW DELHI: Tripura chief minister Manik Saha has fulfilled a promise made to Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey, with the state government allotting her a piece of land in Agartala to build a house.The 23-year-old judoka was honoured in Tripura on Wednesday after becoming the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.Dey won the women’s -48kg title in Glasgow after defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach in a dramatic golden-score contest. The state government also presented her with a cheque of Rs 10 lakh as part of the felicitation.
From a village in Tripura to Commonwealth Games glory
Speaking at the event, Saha highlighted Dey’s difficult journey from a small village in South Tripura to the top of the Commonwealth Games podium. Her father, he noted, worked as a cycle mechanic in Sonaichari.“The journey from an obscure village in South Tripura to a podium finish at Glasgow was a race against time. Her father was a cycle mechanic at Sonaichari. Against all odds, she stood firm on her mission and achieved phenomenal success for the country,” he said.The chief minister recalled meeting Dey at Tripura Bhavan in New Delhi after her return from the Games. During that meeting, the judoka had expressed her wish to have a house in Agartala.“During the meeting, Asmita revealed she desperately wanted a house in Agartala. I promised to fulfil her wish, and today a piece of land has been allotted to her,” he said.
CM urges Asmita to target Asian Games success
Saha said Dey’s achievement could motivate more young athletes from Tripura to pursue sport at the highest level. He also urged her to remain disciplined as she prepares for the Asian Games, particularly because of the strict anti-doping requirements.“I urge Asmita to remain alert, particularly about food, because she has to pass through a stringent dope test before joining the prestigious Asian Games. We believe she will shine again in the Asian Games by winning a medal for the country,” he said.Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder and Arjuna award-winning gymnast Dipa Karmakar were among those who attended the felicitation ceremony.