Seema Kaliraman's Inspiring Journey to Commonwealth Games Bronze
A Remarkable Journey in Discus Throw
Seema Kaliraman's path from collecting discus throws for her teachers during school breaks to standing proudly on the Commonwealth Games podium with a bronze medal is truly inspiring. As a mother and a PhD student at Chaudhary Bansi Lal University in Bhiwani, she has fulfilled a childhood aspiration through relentless dedication.
Originating from Dinod village in Bhiwani district, a region renowned for its boxing talent, Seema clinched the bronze medal in Glasgow with an impressive throw of 58.65 meters.
In a media interaction following her achievement, Seema expressed that her dream of winning an international medal began in her youth when she would gather discus throws for her teachers during practice. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, she remained committed to her training, confident that her moment would arrive.
At 27 years old, and after taking a break from competition due to pregnancy, Seema returned to her training regimen within a year of welcoming her son, Rudra, in 2022. With the support of her husband, Ravinder, a former discus thrower whose career was cut short by injury, she gradually regained her strength and fitness.
Celebrations and Recognition
Haryana's Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, praised Seema for her dedication and hard work, which have brought honor to both the state and the nation.
Upon hearing of her medal win, celebrations erupted in her hometown of Dinod village, where family and villagers shared sweets and congratulated one another, while the Chief Minister also extended his congratulations.
In addition to Seema's success, Haryana athletes continued to shine at the Commonwealth Games, with two more competitors securing spots in the boxing finals, ensuring India would earn silver medals.
Preeti Panwar from Bhiwani advanced to the women’s 54kg final after a decisive 5-0 victory over Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the semifinals. Preeti, who hails from Badsara village, serves as a Naib Subedar in the Army, and her father, Somveer, is an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Haryana Police.
Having previously won a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games and a gold at the 2025 World Cup, Preeti is set to compete for gold on Saturday.
More Success in Boxing
Following Preeti's triumph, 19-year-old Ankush Panghal from Bheria village in Hisar district advanced to the men’s 80kg final with a unanimous 5-0 victory over Canada’s Joshua Ofori.
Known for his speed and precision, Ankush has guaranteed at least a silver medal for India, dominating the semifinal match from start to finish.
His father, Suresh Panghal, a farmer, shared that Ankush began boxing at the age of 12 under coach Pradeep in Hisar and is currently training at an Army sports center in Bengaluru.
Ankush has previously earned silver medals at the 2023 Youth Championship in Kazakhstan and the 2025 World Boxing Cup, and he has represented India at the 2026 National Championship and the Grand Prix.