Union Minister Honors Indian Athletes for Historic Commonwealth Games Achievements

Celebrating Success at the Commonwealth Games 2026

On August 4, in New Delhi, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, recognized the remarkable achievements of Indian athletes returning from the Commonwealth Games 2026, particularly in boxing, judo, and para-athletics.

During the ceremony, Mandaviya congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to contribute to Indian sports beyond their competitive years by mentoring future generations, as stated in a press release.

The event highlighted the Indian boxing team, which excelled by securing a total of 10 medals, including seven gold and three silver, leading the medal tally.

Additionally, the judo team was celebrated for its outstanding performance, achieving four medals, including two historic golds, marking India's best-ever showing in the sport at the Commonwealth Games. The para-athletics team also made significant strides, showcasing exceptional talent in Glasgow.

Medal winners received cash prizes of Rs 30 lakh for gold, Rs 20 lakh for silver, and Rs 10 lakh for bronze.

Mandaviya urged athletes to envision their roles beyond competition, suggesting they consider establishing sports academies to nurture young talent after retirement. He emphasized the importance of the revamped Khelo India scheme, which has seen an investment of Rs 36,000 crore to support the growth of sports in India.

“Winning a Commonwealth Games medal should not just be about securing a government job. I encourage you all to run sports academies after your careers,” Dr. Mandaviya stated, stressing that the athletes' focus should be on prioritizing India.

He also highlighted the launch of the expanded Khelo India scheme during the Commonwealth Games, which aims to ensure sustained investment in Indian sports.

Looking forward to the Asian Games 2026, Mandaviya motivated the athletes to carry forward their momentum from the Commonwealth Games, urging them to aim for more gold medals. He encouraged those who won silver and bronze to strive for gold, while gold medalists should maintain their high standards.

Furthermore, the Minister reminded athletes of the invaluable contributions of their coaches, stating, “Never forget the role of your coaches. Their dedication and guidance are crucial for your success.”

The boxing team returned from Glasgow with an impressive tally of seven gold and three silver medals, with notable performances from Preeti Pawar (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), and others. This achievement marked a historic milestone for Indian women boxers at the Commonwealth Games.

Indian judo also made headlines with its best-ever performance, winning four medals in Glasgow, including two golds, one silver, and one bronze, a significant improvement from the previous Games.

Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh made history by winning India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medals in judo, with Asmita being the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.

All medal-winning athletes benefited from government initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS, and ACTC, which provided support through national camps, international exposure, and training resources.