CWG 2026: Para athletes script history with best-ever CWG medal haul for India

The campaign reached its peak on Saturday at Scotstoun Stadium with a dominant one-two finish in the Men's Shot Put F57 final. Indian Army veteran Soman Rana launched the metal ball to a distance of 13.40 metres to clinch the Gold medal, while compatriot.

The double-podium finish anchored an athletics squad that accounted for six of India's seven medals. India snapped a 20-year para athletics medal drought early in the competition, with its athletes riding the momentum to a flurry of medals.

What Happened

Beyond the numbers, the campaign was defined by remarkable personal triumph over adversity. Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar opened India's overall medal tally in Glasgow by securing Bronze in the Men's Heavyweight event.

• Dhankar, a survivor of domestic abuse who was left homeless with her two young daughters, began her athletic career at age 34 and led a double podium alongside Bronze medalist Shilpa K.

• Similarly, 40-year-old Sharmila Dhankar captured Gold in the Women's Shot Put F57 event with a 9.81-metre throw.

• Affected by polio in childhood, Kumar drove an e-rickshaw and sold vegetables in Bihar to fund his diet and training before earning international recognition.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge