From CWG Gold To Asian Games Test: Asmita Dey Targets Japan’s Judo Challenge

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey knows that her biggest challenge at the Asian Games could come from the country she considers the “master” of judo, Japan.

As she prepares for her Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya, the 23-year-old Indian judoka has turned particular attention to Ne-Waza, the ground-fighting phase of judo, where bouts can be decided through holds, pins and submission techniques.

Dey became the first Indian judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, but she believes the Asian Games will present a considerably tougher test, with several highly ranked athletes expected to compete.

“The Asian Games, as compared to the Commonwealth Games, will be very tough for me because at the Asian Games we have some of the world's best from rankings 7-14 competing there,” Dey told PTI Videos.

Her concern is particularly focused on Japanese opponents, whose strength in Ne-Waza has prompted her to work harder on her ground techniques.

“If I am in the final, my opponent will most likely be Japanese. So a Japanese opponent will be tough for me even if I go toe-to-toe with them while standing. Their Ne-Waza is very strong,” she said.

Dey draws inspiration from Uta Abe, one of Japan’s biggest judo stars. The five-time world champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist has impressed the Indian with her ability to turn a strong grip into decisive attacks.

Dey said she particularly admires Abe’s execution of Sode and Uchi-mata, techniques that allow her to launch powerful throws once she establishes the right grip.

The Commonwealth triumph has given Dey a major confidence boost, although she admitted that frequent travel after the Glasgow Games disrupted her training rhythm.

“I am trying to get back to my training and rhythm,” she said, adding that she would give her best to win another medal for India at the Asian Games.