Commonwealth Games gold medallist Soman Rana has highlighted the critical need for increased corporate support and permanent jobs for Indian para-athletes. He stressed that financial security is vital for athletes to focus on training and achieve consistent international success, including at events like the Paralympics and Para Asian Games. His views were echoed by PCI president Devendra Jhajharia and M3M Foundation chairperson Payal Kanodia, who noted the growing recognition and support for the Paralympic movement in India.
India has once again topped the Athletics Integrity Unit's global list of dope offenders with 162 names, highlighting a significant doping problem in the country's sporting landscape. This led to the Athletics Federation of India being re-categorised to 'Category A' due to high doping risk, requiring more stringent testing.
Union Minister Raksha Khadse has encouraged sportspersons to strive for excellence, highlighting the government's focus on strengthening sports infrastructure and supporting athletes through initiatives like Khelo India.
Indian hurdler Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan is heading to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with high confidence, following impressive performances at the Paris Olympics and Asian Athletics Championships. He attributes his success to consistent training at the Inspire Institute of Sport and is focused on delivering his best performance while representing India.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has assured continued government support to trap shooter Neeru Dhanda and pistol ace Esha Singh, who recently achieved historic gold medals at ISSF World Cups. Mandaviya highlighted shooting as a priority sport for India, with significant investment in athlete development programs like TOPS and Khelo India, aiming for future Olympic and Commonwealth Games success.
Para athlete Dilip Gavit, fresh off a Commonwealth Games gold in the 100m, is now focused on breaking world records in both the 100m and 400m events at the upcoming Para Asian Games in Japan. Gavit, who competes in the T47 category, also shared insights into his training, his past achievements in able-bodied events, and the crucial role of his coach, Vaijanath Kale, in his journey.
Indian athletes delivered a strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, with weightlifters Gyaneshwari Yadav and Bindyarani Devi securing silver and bronze medals respectively. Several athletes, including long jumpers M Sreeshankar and Lokesh Sathyanathan, boxers Sachin Siwach and Ankush, and swimmers Sajan Prakash, Aryan Nehra, and Swatik Patel, also advanced to their respective finals or quarter-finals, showcasing India's diverse talent across multiple disciplines.
Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia predicts India will win a record-breaking half a dozen medals in para sports at the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games, despite some exclusions. The 28-member contingent is confident of a strong performance across five disciplines.
Teenage Indian para cyclist Lisha Das finished sixth and last in the women's C4-C5 4,000m individual pursuit qualifying event at the Commonwealth Games.
The Indian Olympic Association intervened to ensure para cyclist Lisha Das, the youngest member of India's Commonwealth Games contingent, has a female support staff member accompanying her to Glasgow. This decision came after the 16-year-old raised concerns about the initial lack of a female physiotherapist, which goes against Sports Authority of India guidelines. The IOA has now accredited a physiotherapist and Lisha's personal coach, with efforts underway for a technician.
The Indian Olympic Association hosted a grand send-off for the country's Commonwealth Games contingent, unveiling the official ceremonial and competition kit for athletes heading to Glasgow. Dignitaries including Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA President PT Usha attended the event, expressing hopes for a successful campaign.
Sharmila Dhankar, overcoming polio and an abusive marriage, made history by winning India's first para-athletics gold medal in 20 years at the Commonwealth Games in the women's shot put F57 event. Her compatriot Shilpa Shyla also secured a bronze after a protest. Dhankar's inspiring journey from Haryana to international success, supported by her family and second husband, highlights her remarkable resilience and dedication to para-athletics.
Indian para-athlete Dilip Mahadu Gavit, fresh off winning the Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal in the men's T47 100m with a Games record, dedicated his triumph to his coach Vaijanath Kale on Guru Purnima, crediting him for spotting his talent and transforming his career.
Sock Street has collaborated with MMA athlete Sangram Singh to introduce new compression performance gear. This gear is designed for various athletic activities, focusing on comfort, stability, endurance, and recovery, aligning with Singh's athletic philosophy.
The National Jute Board has developed a jute-viscose blended apparel for Indian athletes participating in the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, marking the first time jute-based attire will be featured at an international multi-sport event, promoting sustainable textiles and India's jute industry.
India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended 24 athletes across various sports, including cricketer Bhupen Lalwani, weightlifter Ajith Narayana, wrestler Sahil Jaglan, and national record holder runner KM Deeksha, for failing dope tests. The suspensions highlight ongoing challenges with doping in Indian sports.
Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh is planning to establish a boxing academy in his ancestral village of Kaluwas, Bhiwani, and has sought financial assistance from the Sports Ministry.
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh each and government jobs for athletes Yamini and Ajay Babu. Both athletes won silver medals in judo and weightlifting, respectively, at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, bringing pride to the state and the country.
Shubham Juyal, a silver medallist in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games, has called for Indians to extend their support to all sports, not just cricket. The Lance Naik in the Indian Army expressed pride in representing Roorkee and shared his aspirations to meet Rishabh Pant and win a medal at the LA 2028 Paralympics, crediting the Indian Army and his family for his success.
Haryana is set to host a grand felicitation ceremony on August 7 for its athletes who excelled at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will present cash awards totalling Rs 13.47 crore to 10 medal winners and 13 participating athletes, reinforcing the state's commitment to sports development and recognising international achievements.
Haryana is revamping its 2015 Sports Policy to focus on long-term talent development for future Olympians, moving beyond just prize money and jobs. Key initiatives include 'Mission Olympics-2036 Vijayee Bhavah' for young athletes and the 'Khelo Haryana App' for integrated athlete services. The state aims to strengthen athlete welfare, infrastructure, and institutional support.
Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha expressed immense pride in India's Commonwealth Games performance, particularly highlighting the boxers' mental strength and the overall medal tally, attributing success to government support.
Indian athlete Praveen Chithravel secured a silver medal in the men's triple jump at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, bringing immense pride to his agricultural daily wage worker father and their village in Tamil Nadu.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has mandated a uniform policy for all sports grounds in the state, focusing on modern sanitation, separate changing rooms, and CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety and enhance the performance of women athletes. This directive aims to strengthen the sports ecosystem and encourage greater participation from women.
The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.
India continues to lead the Athletics Integrity Unit's (AIU) global list of dope offenders with 162 names, highlighting a significant problem in the country's sports. The nation has been re-categorised to 'Category A' by the AIU, indicating an "extremely high" doping risk and requiring more stringent anti-doping measures.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised Kajal Vala for her role in India's silver medal-winning performance in the women's 4x100m relay at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong.
Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar have been awarded the rights to host the Asian Relays in 2027 and the Asian Indoor Championships in 2028, respectively, marking a significant moment for Indian athletics.
Neeraj Chopra's personal coach, Jaiveer Chaudhary, travelled to the Commonwealth Games at his own expense to support the javelin thrower, despite not being part of the official Indian contingent. Chopra, along with Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, successfully qualified for the men's javelin throw final.
Athletics Federation of India's selection committee chairman Adille Sumariwalla has dismissed concerns over Neeraj Chopra's recent silver medal, stating that the "country's greatest athlete" should not be scrutinised for an occasional silver after consistently delivering gold for a decade.
National Games silver medallist K M Deeksha has failed a dope test, according to sources. India maintains top spot in AIU list of currently ineligible athletes.
India's Commonwealth Games medallists, fresh from a triumphant campaign in Glasgow, received a rousing welcome in New Delhi but quickly shifted their focus to the upcoming Asian Games, expressing determination to secure more medals.
India's para shot putter Soman Rana won the gold gold medal in the men's F57 event para shot put event at the Commonwealth Games.
Rajesh Ramesh, a key figure in India's 4x400m relay teams, is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, aiming to contribute to the team's success and make the nation proud.
Indian judokas arriving for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow found their luggage missing, including essential training gear and uniforms. This incident follows a similar problem faced by the Indian boxing contingent just days prior, prompting the Indian Olympic Association to intervene.
Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has initiated the 'PV Sindhu Centre for Sports Excellence' in Visakhapatnam, with Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh performing the groundbreaking. This integrated sports and education ecosystem aims to provide world-class coaching, sports science, and academic support across seven disciplines, establishing Visakhapatnam as a national sports hub.
Indian quarter-miler Vishal TK, fresh from a historic season where he became the first Indian man to break the 45-second barrier in the 400m, is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow. The 22-year-old, a four-time national champion and a key member of India's relay teams, is confident of delivering a breakthrough performance, crediting his rigorous training at Inspire Institute of Sports and the support system for his preparation. He aims to continue raising the bar for Indian athletics on the global stage.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has outlined Ahmedabad's vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasising unparalleled accessibility for para athletes and a strong commitment to sustainability through green energy and electric transport.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) pledges to collaborate with NADA and the Sports Ministry to address doping concerns after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) categorised India as a high-risk country for doping violations.
Selva Prabhu registered a best jump of 16.52m to finish third and take bronze.
