Podium finish: On India at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
India achieved a strong performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, securing 39 medals despite a lower total count than previous editions. The success was driven by standout performances from women boxers, para-athletes, and javelin throwers like Neeraj Chopra.
Why it matters
This performance highlights India's growing competitiveness in international multi-sport events and the rising prominence of Indian women in combat sports.
In the truncated Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, India performed well, exceeding expectations and retaining fourth place behind developed nations such as Australia, England, and Canada, despite a sharp drop in medals from 61 to 39, including 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze. The gold rush on the penultimate day, powered by the spectacular performance of the boxers who won seven gold and three silver medals, improved India’s position. While some weight classes had weaker draws, several categories posed strong challenges. Propelled by determination and hard work, five women boxers — Sakshi Chaudhary, Preeti Pawar, Jaismine Lamboria, Priya Ghanghas, and Arundhati Choudhary — and two men, Sachin Siwach and Ankush Panghal, ensured India’s best-ever showing of 10 medals, three more than that in the last edition. The women boxers’ fearless approach established them as a force to reckon with.
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