Devendra Jhajaria Celebrates Para-Athletes' Historic Medal Haul at CWG 2026

Devendra Jhajaria, the president of the Paralympic Committee of India, hailed the outstanding achievements of para-athletes at the Commonwealth Games 2026, where they secured a total of seven medals, including three golds. He shared inspiring stories of athletes like Sharmila Dhankar and Soman Rana, who overcame significant challenges to achieve success. Jhajaria also acknowledged the support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective management by the coaching staff. With the Asian Para Games on the horizon, he expressed optimism for future accomplishments. Read on to discover more about this historic campaign.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 10:23 IST

Historic Performance at Commonwealth Games

In New Delhi, former Indian para-athlete and president of the Paralympic Committee of India, Devendra Jhajaria, praised the remarkable achievements of para-athletes at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026, describing their performance as a "storm of medals." The athletes collectively earned seven medals, including three golds.

Out of the 16 medals awarded in athletics, para-athletes secured six, with Jhandu Kumar also contributing a bronze in the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting category. This marked the most successful CWG campaign for para-athletes, showcasing numerous inspiring stories of determination and resilience.

Reflecting on the athletes' accomplishments in Glasgow, Jhajaria stated, "This CWG was not merely a moment; it was a storm of medals for para-athletes. I extend my congratulations to all the athletes. In the previous four CWGs, we managed only five medals, but now we have achieved seven from para-athletics, including three golds."

He highlighted the inspiring journey of shot put para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar, who overcame domestic abuse to clinch a gold medal in the shot put F57 event with a season-best throw of 9.81 meters. Jhajaria also commended Soman Rana, an army personnel who lost his left leg in a landmine accident, for winning gold in the men's F57 shot put.

"Sharmila Dhankar's unique story illustrates that hard work can lead to becoming a world champion. Soman Rana, despite his injury, also achieved a gold medal," he remarked.

Another significant highlight was Dilip Gavit's record-setting gold in the men's 100 m T47 event, where he finished with a CWG record time of 10.71 seconds. Jhajaria noted that in the final moments of the race, Gavit "did not just run; he flew."

He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's contributions to the advancement of para-athletes, stating, "I want to congratulate Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the support and facilities provided to para-athletes. We are making strides in sports science today." He expressed gratitude to the Sports Authority of India, the Sports Ministry, and all PCI members for their dedication.

Jhajaria praised the para-athletics head coach, Satya, for effectively managing the team and helping them adapt to the cold climate, saying, "Our coach Satyanarayanji prepared the team well for the cold weather, addressing technical aspects in advance."

"Finally, I wish the best to the 1.4 billion Indians who cheered for these athletes. With the Asian Para Games approaching, I am optimistic that India will once again make history," he concluded.

India wrapped up a remarkable Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow, securing a total of 39 medals—13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze—finishing fourth overall. This achievement matched the fourth-place finish from Birmingham 2022, despite a significantly reduced sports program, with Ahmedabad set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.