India's Para-Athletes Shine at Commonwealth Games, Setting the Stage for Future Success

India's para-athletes have made history at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, achieving a record medal tally. With a total of seven medals, including three golds, their success has set a strong foundation for future competitions. Chairperson Payal Kanodia emphasizes the importance of recognizing these athletes to inspire confidence and future achievements, especially with India hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030. Athletes like Soman Rana and Shubham Juyal are already focusing on upcoming challenges, including the Asian Games and the 2028 Paralympics. This article highlights their remarkable journey and the significance of their accomplishments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 23:45 IST

Celebrating Para-Athletes' Achievements

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], August 5: Payal Kanodia, the Chairperson of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), praised the remarkable achievements of the nation’s para-athletes at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. She emphasized that these athletes deserve recognition for their contributions to India's pride.

Kanodia noted that honoring these athletes would not only enhance their confidence but also inspire future accomplishments, especially with India preparing to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

Out of 16 athletics medals, para-athletes secured six, including three golds. Additionally, Jhandu Kumar's bronze in the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting category marked a historic achievement, bringing the total medal count for para-athletes to seven, the best in Commonwealth Games history.

“It fills us with pride that our para-athletes have excelled at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Recognizing and celebrating our Paralympians is crucial for motivating them to achieve even greater heights and secure more medals for India in the future,” Kanodia stated.

She further added, “As we prepare to host the Commonwealth Games, it is vital to continue showcasing our Paralympians on international platforms and celebrating their successes. This ceremony was organized to honor our athletes and acknowledge their contributions, and we have also planted hundreds of trees in their names as a tribute.”

Soman Rana expressed that winning gold at the Commonwealth Games has boosted his confidence, but he is now focused on the Asian Games as he aims for a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Rana made history by clinching India’s first gold in the men’s F57 shot put at the Commonwealth Games, achieving a best throw of 13.40m.

“My immediate goal is the Asian Games. I previously won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, and now that the Commonwealth Games are behind me, I am preparing for the next challenge. My ultimate aim is to secure a medal at the 2028 Olympics,” Rana shared.

Shubham Juyal, another standout athlete, earned silver with a throw of 13.28m, marking India’s first one-two finish in this event at the Commonwealth Games.

Juyal credited the success to the PCI’s thorough planning and a 40-day training camp in Bengaluru, which he believes was instrumental in their performance.

“There are many significant events on the horizon, including the Paralympic Games and next year’s World Championships, but my primary focus remains on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. The World Championships are crucial as they offer a chance to earn Paralympic quotas,” Juyal explained.

“The PCI organized everything meticulously, from athlete selection to strategy execution. Our 40-day camp in Bengaluru was vital for our preparation, allowing us to concentrate solely on executing our plans when we arrived at the Games,” he added.

India concluded its Commonwealth Games journey in Glasgow with a total of 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze, finishing fourth overall. This result matched the fourth-place finish from Birmingham 2022, despite a significantly reduced sports program, with Ahmedabad set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.