Shilpa Shyla Celebrated Upon Return from Commonwealth Games Triumph
A Hero's Welcome for Shilpa Shyla
On August 6, Bengaluru welcomed Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Shilpa Shyla at Kempegowda International Airport, where the para-athlete expressed her commitment to continue securing medals for India following her success at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Shilpa, who earned bronze in the women's F57 shot put during her debut at the Commonwealth Games, expressed her gratitude towards fans, government bodies, and coaches who supported her journey. She described the warm reception in Bengaluru as a cherished moment.
"I am deeply thankful to everyone. The warm welcome I received upon landing filled me with joy and pride. I promise to maintain your trust and strive for more medals for our nation and Karnataka. My heartfelt thanks go to the Government of India, the Government of Karnataka, PCI, the Youth Services Department, and all who have supported me, including SAI," Shilpa stated.
The para shot putter also recognized the significant contributions of her coaches and support staff throughout her career.
"I especially want to thank Raghavendra Sir, Eshwar Sir, and Sudhakar Sir for their unwavering support. I am also grateful to Pushma Madam and Divakar Sir for their assistance during my training camp," she added.
Reflecting on her journey, Shilpa noted that years of hard work led to her unforgettable experience in Glasgow.
"Reaching this point has not been easy. My dedication has finally paid off. What I have achieved is just one milestone, and I believe many athletes can reach even greater heights with the right encouragement and support from the government," she remarked.
Shilpa shared her emotions about participating in the Commonwealth Games for the first time, stating, "Winning the bronze medal was an indescribable experience. It felt like all my efforts had finally borne fruit, and I was overwhelmed with joy."
National Para Athletics Coach and PCI team coach Satyanarayana, who was part of the Indian contingent in Glasgow, praised the Karnataka Government for honoring Shilpa and expressed confidence in her future performances.
"Shilpa has returned home after winning a bronze medal, and the warm welcome from the Karnataka Government is heartening. She has also been selected for the upcoming Asian Games, and I am confident she will excel there as well," Satyanarayana said.
He emphasized the importance of continued support for athletes, stating, "If we keep supporting athletes like Shilpa, India will evolve into a true sporting nation. The Government of Karnataka and the Government of India are providing substantial support to athletes, and it is crucial to take advantage of these opportunities."
Satyanarayana also highlighted the increasing success of India's para-athletes on the global stage.
"As the national athletics coach, I witnessed this historic achievement at the Commonwealth Games. India is set to host the next Commonwealth Games, which serves as a great inspiration for all athletes," he concluded.
India finished fourth at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, securing 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze. Para-athletes significantly contributed to this success, earning seven medals, including six of India's 16 athletics medals, marking the country's most successful campaign in para sports.