New Delhi, August 4: The Indian team, which brought pride to the nation with its outstanding performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026, received a grand welcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. A large number of sports enthusiasts, family members, sports officials, and supporters gathered at the airport to greet the players.
The players were honored amidst drums, garlands, and chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Expressing gratitude for this warm reception, the athletes stated that this welcome felt like a dream and they would continue to strive for medals for the country.
Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India, spoke to reporters, highlighting that India won seven gold medals in boxing for the first time in the 96-year history of the Commonwealth Games. This achievement is a matter of pride not just for Indian boxing but for the entire nation.
He credited the success to the players, coaching staff, and all supporting organizations, stating that the identity of Indian boxers has now been strengthened on a global scale.
Gold medalist boxer Sakshi Chaudhary expressed her happiness at the warm welcome at the airport. She felt immense pride seeing so many people present to celebrate their achievements. Sakshi acknowledged the support from the Government of India, the Boxing Federation of India, and the Haryana government, attributing their success to this collaboration and better training. She dedicated her gold medal to the citizens of India, emphasizing that this achievement belongs to the entire nation and she will continue to strive for better performances in the future.
Sakshi’s grandfather, Satpal Singh, expressed immense pride in his granddaughter. He encouraged young athletes, stating that with determination and confidence, success is inevitable.
Her sister-in-law Priya shared that Sakshi’s victory was an emotional moment for the entire family. When she won the gold medal, the family rejoiced, eagerly awaiting her return home.
Indian boxer Preeti Pawar also expressed her joy over the team’s performance. She noted that the Indian players showcased remarkable talent at the Commonwealth Games, and the honor they received upon returning home amplified their happiness.
Preeti mentioned that support from the military and the Government of India helped the athletes perform at their best. She added that a national training camp would soon commence to prepare for the Asian Games and other international competitions.
Arundhati Chaudhary, another Indian boxer, credited her success to the Indian Army, Army Sports Institute, and Corps of Military Police. She stated that representing the army instills an extra enthusiasm in players to perform better for the country. Initially motivated to play for the nation, she now feels an added responsibility as a soldier. Her next goal is the World Cup in Uzbekistan, for which she is preparing diligently.
Boxer Narendra Berwal, who won a silver medal in the men’s 90 kg category, shared that his preparation began months in advance. He trains at the Army Sports Institute for national competitions, while international preparations are conducted at special camps organized by the Sports Authority of India and the Boxing Federation of India in Patiala. He stated that his focus is now on the Asian Games.
Indian para-athletes also performed excellently at the Commonwealth Games. Somn Rana, who won a gold medal in the men’s shot put F-57 event, remarked that this medal is not just his but belongs to the entire country, the Indian Army, and all those who supported him on his journey. He expressed that his next goal is the Asian Games, and he will work hard for it.
Sharmila Dhankhar, who won a gold medal in the women’s shot put F-57 event, stated that winning a gold medal for the country is the greatest honor of her life. She expressed gratitude for the facilities and support provided by the government and pledged to continue working hard to win more medals for India in the future.
Indian para-athlete Suvarna Raj expressed confidence that India will become even stronger in sports in the coming years. She noted that since 2016, the performance of Indian athletes has consistently improved, and in the future, India could challenge major sporting powers in terms of medal counts.
Shubham Juyal, who won a medal in the men’s shot put event, stated that winning a medal for the country is every athlete’s dream. He mentioned that on the final day of the competition, Indian athletes won several important medals, bringing pride to the nation. He also noted that the Commonwealth Games will be held in India in four years, and Indian athletes will begin preparations to perform even better on home ground.
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