Para-Athletes Shine at Commonwealth Games 2026 with Record Medal Haul

Outstanding Performance at CWG 2026

Devendra Jhajaria, the former Indian para-athlete and president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), 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 athletics medals, para-athletes contributed six, with Jhandu Kumar securing 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.

Historic Achievements

In an interview, Jhajaria expressed his pride in the athletes' accomplishments in Glasgow, stating, "This CWG was not just a moment; it was a storm of medals for para-athletes. I congratulate all the athletes. In the last four CWGs, we managed only five medals, but this time we achieved seven from para-athletics, including three golds."

Inspiring Stories of Triumph

Jhajaria 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.

He also celebrated Soman Rana, an army personnel who lost his left leg in a landmine accident but triumphed with a gold in the men's F57 shot put. Jhajaria remarked, "Sharmila's unique story illustrates that hard work can lead to world-class achievements. Soman's journey is equally commendable, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity."

Another standout moment was Dilip Gavit's record-breaking gold in the men's 100 m T47 event, where he set a CWG record of 10.71 seconds. Jhajaria noted, "In the final moments of his race, he didn't just run; he soared."

Support and Future Aspirations

Jhajaria acknowledged the significant support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending his dedication to enhancing the lives of para-athletes. He stated, "I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the love and resources provided to para-athletes. We are making strides in sports science today."

He also expressed appreciation for the Sports Authority of India, the Sports Ministry, and PCI members for their hard work. Jhajaria praised head coach Satya for effectively managing the team and helping them adapt to the cold climate, saying, "Our coach prepared us well for the weather conditions, which was crucial for our performance."

He concluded with heartfelt wishes for the 1.4 billion Indians who supported the athletes, expressing optimism for the upcoming Asian Para Games, stating, "I am hopeful that we will create history once again for India."

India's Overall Success at CWG

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. Ahmedabad is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.