
Army sportspersons played a major role in India’s impressive performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, delivering a remarkable medal haul across several sporting disciplines. A total of 15 Indian Army athletes accounted for 16 of India’s 39 medals at the Games, including eight Gold, seven Silver and one Bronze.
General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), interacted with and felicitated the Army sportspersons for their outstanding performances. Their achievements highlighted not only individual talent and determination but also the Indian Army’s continued contribution to India’s sporting success on the international stage.
The performance of the Army sportspersons was particularly significant because they contributed eight of India’s 13 Gold medals at Glasgow 2026. Their medals came across boxing, athletics, para-athletics, judo and weightlifting, demonstrating the wide range of sporting talent nurtured within the Army.
Eight Gold Medals Highlight India’s Success
Among the most successful Army sportspersons at Glasgow 2026 were the athletes who secured Gold medals in different categories.
Havildar Harsh Singh created history by winning the Men’s 60 kg Judo Gold medal. His victory was particularly noteworthy as he became the first Indian male judoka to win a Commonwealth Games Gold medal.
In boxing, Naib Subedar Preeti won Gold in the Women’s 54 kg category, while Naib Subedar Jaismine Lamboria claimed the Women’s 57 kg Gold. Havildar Sakshi secured Gold in the Women’s 51 kg category, and Havildar Arundhati Choudhary emerged victorious in the Women’s 70 kg category.
Havildar Sachin Siwach added another Gold medal in the Men’s 60 kg boxing category, while Havildar Ankush Panghal secured Gold in the Men’s 80 kg category.
Subedar Soman Rana also delivered a standout performance by winning Gold in Men’s Para Shot Put F57.
Together, these victories made the Army sportspersons a crucial force behind India’s Gold-medal campaign at Glasgow 2026.
Strong Contribution Beyond Gold Medals
The achievements of the Army sportspersons extended well beyond their eight Gold medals. Naib Subedar Sarvesh Kushare won Silver in the Men’s High Jump, adding another medal to the Army’s impressive tally.
Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the Games. He secured Silver in the Men’s 10,000 metres and Bronze in the Men’s 5,000 metres, becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to win two individual medals at a single edition of the Commonwealth Games.
Havildar Valluri Ajaya Babu contributed another Silver medal in Weightlifting. Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Neeraj Chopra also won Silver in the Men’s Javelin Throw, adding to India’s athletics success.
In boxing, Havildar Jadumani Singh won Silver, while Subedar Narender Berwal secured Silver in the Men’s 90+ kg category. Lance Naik Shubham Juyal added another Silver in Men’s Para Shot Put.
These performances further demonstrated the depth and versatility of the Army sportspersons, who competed successfully across traditional and para-sport disciplines.
Boxing Emerges as a Major Strength
Boxing was one of the strongest areas for the Army sportspersons at Glasgow 2026. Army athletes won six Gold and two Silver medals in boxing, making a substantial contribution to India’s overall boxing performance.
The success of the boxers reflected years of discipline, specialised preparation and competitive experience. From the women’s categories to the men’s divisions, the Army sportspersons demonstrated composure and determination against strong international competition.
Their performances also underline the important role played by institutional support in developing elite athletes. Access to structured training, professional guidance and opportunities to compete at high levels can help athletes consistently perform on major international platforms.
COAS Felicitates Medal-Winning Athletes
During the interaction, General Dhiraj Seth congratulated the Army sportspersons for their dedication, discipline and sustained pursuit of excellence. He highlighted sporting achievement as an important part of the Indian Army’s ethos and encouraged the athletes to continue aiming for higher achievements in future international competitions.
The felicitation recognised the athletes not simply for winning medals but also for representing India and the Indian Army with distinction. Their success at Glasgow 2026 reflects the commitment and effort required to compete at the highest level of international sport.
The recognition also reinforces the importance of creating an environment where talented personnel can pursue sporting excellence while serving the nation.
Indian Army’s Longstanding Sporting Legacy
The success of the Army sportspersons at Glasgow 2026 is part of the Indian Army’s longstanding contribution to Indian sport. Army athletes have consistently represented the country at major competitions, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
The Army has focused on identifying sporting talent, providing specialised training and creating opportunities for athletes to develop their skills. This approach has helped several Army sportspersons establish themselves among India’s leading competitors.
The Glasgow performance once again demonstrates how institutional support can contribute to India’s medal prospects. With 16 medals from just 15 Army sportspersons, the Army’s contribution represents a significant share of the country’s overall medal tally.
Medal Winners Meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Later in the day, the medal-winning Army sportspersons also interacted with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting recognised their contribution to India’s performance at Glasgow 2026 and acknowledged the distinction they brought to both the Indian Army and the nation.
The interaction provided another opportunity to celebrate the athletes’ achievements and recognise their role in strengthening India’s presence in international sport.
For the Army sportspersons, the Glasgow campaign represents the result of dedication, rigorous preparation and determination. Their achievements can also serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
A Significant Boost for Indian Sports
The performance of the Army sportspersons at Glasgow 2026 has strengthened the Indian Army’s reputation as an important pillar of the country’s sporting ecosystem. Their 16-medal contribution, including eight Gold medals, seven Silver medals and one Bronze, accounted for a substantial portion of India’s 39-medal haul.
The achievements of the Army sportspersons also demonstrate India’s growing competitiveness across multiple sporting disciplines. Their success in boxing, judo, athletics, para-athletics and weightlifting highlights the country’s expanding pool of elite sporting talent.
As India continues to target greater success at major international competitions, the contribution of the Army sportspersons is expected to remain important. Their Glasgow 2026 performance has once again shown that discipline, specialised training and national commitment can combine to produce exceptional sporting results.
The 16-medal haul therefore stands as a significant milestone for the Army sportspersons and reinforces the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to sporting excellence. Their achievements have not only added to India’s medal tally but have also strengthened the nation’s aspirations of becoming an increasingly competitive force in global sport.



