New Delhi, July 15: The Commonwealth Games 2026 is set to commence on July 23, hosted by Glasgow, Scotland. India will be represented by 124 athletes, all vying for medals. Let’s explore some of India’s most unforgettable moments in Commonwealth Games history.
Milka Singh’s First Gold Medal: In 1934, India won its first medal at the Commonwealth Games, a silver in wrestling by Rashid Anwar. However, it took a long time for India to secure its first gold medal. The legendary runner Milka Singh achieved this milestone at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, winning the 440-yard race.
Historic Hosting Performance: India hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, delivering a historic performance. The nation achieved its best-ever results, claiming 38 gold, 27 silver, and 36 bronze medals, totaling 101 medals. This remarkable feat has yet to be matched by India in subsequent Games.
Historic Gold in Hockey: In the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in Manchester, the Indian women’s hockey team made history by winning their first gold medal. Ranked 17th, the team showcased exceptional skills against formidable opponents like New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. In the final, they defeated England, the fifth-ranked team in the world, marking one of the greatest achievements in Indian women’s hockey.
Manika Batra’s Gold: At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, table tennis player Manika Batra stunned everyone with her outstanding performance, winning the gold medal. She became the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal in table tennis.
Memorable Performance by Satwik-Chirag: In the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the badminton duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made history by winning the gold medal. This was the first time India secured a gold in men’s doubles at the Commonwealth Games, defeating England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy.
Geeta Phogat’s Gold: In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Geeta Phogat excelled in the 55 kg freestyle category, winning the gold medal. She became the first Indian woman wrestler to achieve this honor, inspiring many women to take up the sport.
Historic Performances by Syed Modi and Mohammad Ali: Mohammad Ali was the first boxer to win a medal for India in the Commonwealth Games, claiming gold after a remarkable comeback. Syed Modi won gold in men’s singles badminton at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
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