India Shines at Commonwealth Games: Harjinder Kaur and Gulveer Singh Bring Home Silver Medals

Outstanding Performances by Indian Athletes

Glasgow: At the Commonwealth Games, weightlifter Harjinder Kaur and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh emerged as India's top athletes, each securing silver medals through their remarkable efforts. Additionally, three Indian boxers advanced to the semifinals, ensuring more opportunities for podium finishes.

Harjinder, who stands at 5 feet 3 inches, delivered a career-best performance to earn silver in the women's 69kg category on Tuesday. The 29-year-old broke the Commonwealth Games record twice in both the snatch and clean and jerk, surpassing her previous bronze medal achievement in the 71kg category from Birmingham four years ago, marking India's seventh weightlifting medal at this event.

Currently, India ranks ninth in the medal tally with two gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals, totaling 12.

Australia leads the medal standings with an impressive count of 33 gold, 17 silver, and 27 bronze medals, amassing a total of 77.

Despite Harjinder's exceptional performance, she was outshone by Canada's Charlotte Simoneau, who dominated the competition with record-breaking lifts.

Harjinder initially set a new Games record in the snatch with a lift of 99kg, later improving it to 101kg. She continued her record-breaking streak in the clean and jerk, lifting 123kg and then attempting 126kg for a total of 227kg.

Simoneau, however, was unbeatable, setting new Games records in every category with lifts of 108kg in the snatch and 132kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a combined total of 240kg, finishing 13kg ahead of Harjinder.

Shortly after, Gulveer Singh made history by winning silver in the men's 10,000m, becoming the first Indian to medal in this event at the Commonwealth Games.

Competing in challenging weather conditions, Gulveer showcased incredible determination and strategy, staying with the leading group before making a powerful move in the final laps to secure his medal.

He finished with a time of 27:49.78, just 0.85 seconds behind Australia's Ky Robinson, who won gold with a time of 27:48.93, while Gulveer's performance outpaced several notable competitors.

In the men's 400m, national record holder Vishal TK kept India's medal hopes alive by advancing to the semifinals with a steady qualifying run.

The 22-year-old from Tamil Nadu, who recently broke the 45-second barrier with a national record of 44.98 seconds, finished second in Round 1 Heat 6 with a time of 46.49 seconds, securing his place in the next round.

Vishal's time ranked 14th among the 16 semifinalists, indicating he has work to do in the upcoming round, but he has kept India's hopes alive in one of the Games' most competitive sprint events, with semifinals scheduled for July 30.

In boxing, reigning Asian champion Priya Ghanghas delivered a stunning performance, overcoming local favorite Niamh Mitchell in a thrilling comeback victory. Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar and Jadumani Singh also advanced to the semifinals, ensuring India at least three bronze medals.

Preeti (54kg) showcased her skills by decisively outboxing Northern Ireland's Nicole Clyde, winning by unanimous decision 5-0. Priya (60kg) fought back after losing the first round to defeat Mitchell 4-1 in a gripping quarterfinal that silenced the home crowd.

Jadumani also advanced impressively, defeating Zambia's Mwengo Mwale by unanimous decision in the men's 55kg quarterfinal.

Unfortunately, Parveen Hooda's journey ended with a narrow 2-3 loss to England's Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinals, as did Kapil Pokhariya in the men's 90 kg event.