South Asian athletes have delivered inspiring performances at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, earning medals, setting records and creating proud moments for communities around the world.
India has enjoyed an impressive campaign, with its athletes achieving success across para athletics, athletics and weightlifting.
One of the standout moments came from Sharmila Dhankar, who won gold in the women’s shot put F57 event. Her victory marked India’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in para athletics and represented an important milestone for Indian para sport.
India also celebrated a historic one-two finish in the men’s 100m T47 final. Dilip Mahadu Gavit claimed gold, while Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi secured silver. Gavit’s performance also established a new Commonwealth Games record.
In weightlifting, Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu Saikhom added another major title to her career by winning gold in the women’s 48kg category. India’s Rishikanta Singh Chanambam earned silver in the men’s 60kg event after producing a record-setting performance in the snatch.
Other Indian weightlifting medallists included Raja Muthupandi, Valluri Ajaya Babu, Gyaneshwari Yadav, Harjinder Kaur and Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, demonstrating India’s continuing strength in the sport.
India’s athletics team also made its presence felt. Gulveer Singh won silver in the men’s 10,000m, while Murali Sreeshankar secured silver in the men’s long jump after finishing just six centimetres behind gold medallist Tajay Gayle. Sarvesh Anil Kushare also earned silver in the men’s high jump.
Sri Lanka also reached the podium through para-athlete Palitha Halgahawela, who won silver in the men’s discus throw F42-44/F61-64 event. His medal provided another proud moment for South Asian sport at the Games.
Sri Lankan gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera also attracted attention after choosing to represent Sri Lanka internationally. She said she hoped her Commonwealth Games appearance would encourage young athletes and help increase the profile of gymnastics in the country.
Beyond the medals, athletes representing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have demonstrated the growing strength and diversity of South Asian sport on the international stage.
Their performances are particularly meaningful for South Asian communities living across Australia and throughout the Commonwealth, providing young people with role models and showing the importance of opportunity, inclusion and determination.
As competition continues in Glasgow, South Asian supporters will be watching proudly and hoping for further medals and memorable performances.
