President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday congratulated Indian athletes Sharmila Dhankar, Shilpa K. Shyla, Valluri Ajaya Babu and Sarvesh Anil Kushare for their medal-winning performances at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In separate messages shared by Rashtrapati Bhavan on X, the President hailed Sharmila Dhankar for winning gold in the women’s shot put F57 event, making history as India’s first Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics.
“By becoming India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in Para Athletics, you have achieved a landmark feat. Your achievement will inspire young athletes to excel in their chosen fields,” President Murmu said, wishing the athlete many more successes.
She also congratulated Shilpa K. Shyla, who claimed bronze in the same event after the disqualification of a Nigerian competitor, and praised her resolve and perseverance.
The President further lauded weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu for securing silver in the men’s 79kg category, saying his determination and performance had brought pride to the nation.
President Murmu also congratulated high jumper Sarvesh Anil Kushare, who won silver in the men’s high jump, and wished him many more achievements in the years ahead.
India enjoyed a productive fifth day at the Glasgow Games, adding four medals to take its overall tally to 10. The day’s standout performance came from Sharmila, whose gold marked a historic milestone for Indian para athletics at the Commonwealth Games.
India’s medal haul also included silver medals from Sarvesh Kushare, Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav, while Bindyarani Devi and Shilpa K. Shyla added bronze medals. The contingent also made progress in boxing and swimming, with several athletes advancing to the next rounds and finals.
(ANI)
