New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday interacted with the members of the Indian Army contingent, which bagged 16 medals — eight Gold, seven Silver and one Bronze — at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Of the total 39 medals — 13 Gold, 17 Silver and nine Bronze — clinched by India during the Games, the Indian Defence Forces personnel claimed 18 medals (16 by Indian Army and two by Indian Navy).
In his address, Rajnath Singh commended the strong will power and firm conviction of the Indian Defence Forces for overcoming physical and mental pressure and making the nation proud at an international sporting event.
Terming the achievement as “extraordinary”, the Defence Minister asserted that these sportspersons are a source of inspiration to the people, particularly the youth, as they are a “perfect blend of a soldier and a champion”.
On women pugilists securing four of the six Gold medals in Boxing, Rajnath Singh said that the feat is a testimony to India’s growing Nari Shakti.
The achievement will motivate more girls to pursue the sport and join the defence forces, he added.
The Defence Minister acknowledged the fact that Indian champions are emerging from every corner of the country, highlighting that today the field of sports has been democratised, and it is no longer the exclusive privilege of a select few.
He extended his best wishes to the athletes for upcoming events such as the Asian Games and the Olympics.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior Indian Army officials attended the event at Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi.
The campaign of the Indian Army contingent at 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games witnessed a number of firsts and records.
Naib Subedar Sarvesh Kushare won India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games Silver Medal in High Jump, a landmark achievement in Indian athletics.
Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two athletics medals at a single Commonwealth Games, securing Silver in the 10,000 metres and Bronze in the 5,000 metres.
Havildar Harsh, competing in the 60 kg category, won India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games Gold Medal in Judo, opening a new chapter for the sport in the country.
Subedar Soman Rana and Lance Naik Shubham Juyal created history by securing India’s first-ever Gold and Silver medals in Para Shot put at the Commonwealth Games.
In Weightlifting, Havildar Ajaya Babu produced a record-breaking performance in the 79 kg category, registering a Games Record of 149 kg in the Snatch and an impressive total lift of 330 kg.
Rajnath Singh said these achievements represent years of disciplined training, sacrifice, professional coaching, sports science support and unwavering commitment to excellence of the athletes, coaches and support staff as well as Mission Olympic Wing and its high performance nodes.
(IANS)
