Judo gold winner of Uttar Pradesh’s cash reward policy now faces questions as well.
India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 judo champion Asmita Dey is in the midst of debate on whether she should be eligible to receive Uttar Pradesh’s sports reward scheme.
The controversy comes just weeks after Asmita became the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women’s 48kg category. While her success is well known and well-publicized, it turns out that after winning the gold medal her state’s cash rewards will be made available to her if she fails to qualify for it.
Why has the Debate started?
The discussion is connected to an August 2024 Uttar Pradesh government order, which sets down three conditions for athletes to receive state rewards.
According to the policy an athlete should:
Be a permanent resident (domicile) of Uttar Pradesh. Have studied for at least two years at an educational institution in Uttar Pradesh. Have represented Uttar Pradesh in international competitions.
Since Asmita Dey’s family roots are in Tripura, some people questioned whether she qualifies for the benefits.
Why Asmita may still be eligible?
Despite the debate, Asmita appears to meet an important condition of the policy.
She has been a sub-inspector in Uttar Pradesh Police since 2023 and has participated in several national and international judo tournaments in Uttar Pradesh.
According to the Uttar Pradesh Judo Association, Asmita won:
Gold at the Senior National Judo Championship in Imphal. Gold at the 38th National Games in Dehradun. Gold at the Casablanca African Open Championship in Morocco.
Because she represented Uttar Pradesh at international events, officials believe she may still qualify for the ₹1.5 crore cash reward announced for Commonwealth Games gold medallists.
UP Government yet to Take Final Decision.
Uttar Pradesh Sports Secretary Suhas LY said that all eligible athletes will receive the benefits under the government's policy.
He said officials will review Asmita’s case and make a final decision based on the rules.
For the state's Director of Sports RP Singh, the state's Director of Sports, RP Singh, said that Commonwealth Games medal winners and participants are in the process of finalising the list of medal winners and participants are also being finalised.
Other Athletes to Receive rewards.
Indian long-distance runner Gulveer Singh (silver in the 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games) is expecting to be awarded ₹1.25 crore from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Athletes from the state who participated but did not win medals are also expected to earn ₹5 lakh each as a consolation award.
Similar Cases in The Past
And the problem is not entirely new.
The athletes who were originally from other states or countries have previously received Uttar Pradesh government rewards after representing the state, officials said.
Examples include:
Suhas LY, an IAS officer from Karnataka who represented Uttar Pradesh in para sports. Jitu Rai, who was born in Nepal but later became an Indian citizen and received rewards from the Uttar Pradesh government for his achievements in shooting.
These examples show eligibility can be based on an athlete’s representation and service history more than birthplace alone
Asmita Dey's huge Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal has brought pride to the nation but it has also triggered a debate over Uttar Pradesh's sports reward policy.
Even though her Tripura roots have raised questions, Asmita has participated in competitions across Uttar Pradesh and is now in the UP Police, so her case has to be looked at.
The Uttar Pradesh government will now take a final decision after seeing whether she meets all the conditions under the state’s sports reward policy.