Seema Kaliramna: Aiming for Glory at Commonwealth Games 2026

Seema Kaliramna's Journey to the Commonwealth Games

Discus thrower Seema Kaliramna is set to represent India at the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. The athlete from Haryana is coached by her husband, Ravinder, a former national-level discus thrower. After facing injuries and the challenges of motherhood, Seema made a remarkable comeback to elite competition just 11 months post the birth of her son, Rudra. She trains at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and recently clinched gold at the Federation Cup 2026 with a throw of 57.29 meters, surpassing the Commonwealth Games qualification mark, and achieving a personal best of 59.55 meters. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she is also working towards her PhD.

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are scheduled from July 23 to August 2, with athletics events taking place at Scotstoun Stadium from July 27 to August 1. In an interview, Seema shared her thoughts on the upcoming Games, along with her coach and husband, Ravinder.

Insights from Seema Kaliramna

Interviewer: As we anticipate the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, thank you for joining us, Dr. Seema. What does it mean for you to represent India at this prestigious event and aim for a medal?
Dr. Seema: Representing India at the Commonwealth Games is an immense honor. It’s my biggest competition, and I am thrilled to be part of it. Words cannot fully capture my excitement.
Interviewer: How has your preparation been different for this major tournament compared to regular competitions? What changes have you made in your training regimen?
Dr. Seema: My husband trains me, and we’ve shifted from hard training to smarter training, which reduces physical strain while enhancing my performance. The IIS provides me with essential support, including physiotherapy and nutrition guidance, which has been invaluable.
Interviewer: You mentioned feeling a sense of responsibility while representing India. Do you feel that you are a role model for younger athletes?
Dr. Seema: I strive to inspire younger athletes to surpass my achievements. I hope they remain motivated and pursue their dreams without discouragement.
Interviewer: Who inspires you in your journey?
Dr. Seema: My husband is my greatest inspiration.
Interviewer: How crucial is the support from IIS for athletes today compared to the past?
Dr. Seema: Since joining IIS a year and a half ago, my life has changed significantly. Previously, I faced many challenges just to access physiotherapy. Now, IIS handles all my needs, allowing me to focus solely on my training.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned your struggles. Can you elaborate on the sacrifices you've made to reach this point?
Dr. Seema: After marriage, many women stop pursuing sports. I faced pressure to prioritize family over my career, but my husband and family supported my passion, which helped me continue.
Interviewer: Do you believe societal attitudes towards women in sports have evolved?
Dr. Seema: Absolutely. Women are now competing at the Olympics and achieving great success. There’s a noticeable shift in support from families and sponsors, enabling women to excel in various fields.
Interviewer to Ravinder: How confident are you in Seema’s preparations? Can we expect a medal?
Coach Ravinder: I am confident. Our preparations are on track, and we are definitely in contention for a medal.
Interviewer: Who do you see as tough competition?
Coach Ravinder: Julia Tunks from Canada is a strong competitor to watch.