Indian Athletes Shine at 2026 Commonwealth Games with Silver Medals

At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Indian athletes Valluri Ajaya Babu and Sarvesh Kushare have made the nation proud by winning silver medals in weightlifting and high jump, respectively. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised their exceptional performances, highlighting India's growing strength in sports. The country had a successful Day 5, achieving a total of 10 medals, including a historic gold in para athletics. This article delves into the achievements of these athletes and the overall progress of the Indian contingent at the Games.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2026, 09:57 IST

Celebrating Indian Athletes' Achievements

New Delhi, July 28: On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to Indian athletes Valluri Ajaya Babu and Sarvesh Kushare for their remarkable performances at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, where they both secured silver medals in weightlifting and high jump, respectively.

In a message shared on X, the Defence Minister commended Valluri Ajaya Babu for his silver medal in the men's 79kg weightlifting category, highlighting his determination, composure, and competitive spirit.

“Kudos to Valluri Ajaya Babu for clinching the Silver Medal in the Men’s 79kg Weightlifting event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. His exceptional grit and competitive spirit reflect India's rising prowess in weightlifting and the rewards of relentless dedication to excellence. Here’s to many more achievements in the future,” Rajnath Singh expressed.

Additionally, the Defence Minister praised Sarvesh Kushare for his silver medal in high jump, acknowledging his technique and composure on the global stage.

“Congratulations to Sarvesh Kushare for winning the Silver Medal in the High Jump at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. His performance showcases the growing strength of Indian athletics. Wishing him continued success and more accolades for the nation in the future,” Rajnath wrote on X.

India had a stellar Day 5 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, securing four medals and bringing its total to 10. The standout moment was Sharmila Dhankar's gold in the women's shot put F57, marking her as India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics. Shilpa K. Shyla also benefited from a Nigerian athlete's disqualification, earning a bronze and contributing to a double podium finish for India.

In athletics, Sarvesh Kushare's silver in the men's high jump was complemented by Murali Sreeshankar and Lokesh Satyanathan qualifying for the long jump finals. The weightlifting team added three more medals, with Gyaneshwari Yadav winning silver, Bindyarani Devi taking bronze, and Valluri Ajaya Babu securing another silver.

India also made strides in boxing and swimming, with several athletes progressing in their events, including Sajan Prakash and Swatik Patil reaching the swimming finals. However, Tejas Shirse, Sumit Kundu, and others faced early exits from their competitions.

So far, India's medal tally includes golds from Mirabai Chanu and Sharmila Dhankar, alongside five silver and three bronze medals across weightlifting, athletics, and para powerlifting.