By NIRENDRA DEV
The Indian Army continued its tradition of sporting excellence with historic athletics and boxing performances, while Tripura’s Asmita Dey became India’s first Commonwealth Games judo champion after overcoming personal tragedy.
New Delhi, August 1, 2026 — The Indian Army once again underlined its reputation as a powerhouse of Indian sport with a series of historic performances at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, led by record-breaking athletes across athletics, boxing, weightlifting and para sports.
One of the biggest milestones came from Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh, who became the first Indian ever to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men’s 10,000 metres, claiming a historic silver medal.
Another landmark achievement came from Naib Subedar Sarvesh Kushare, who became the first Indian to win a silver medal in the men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games.
In weightlifting, Havildar Valluri Ajaya Babu set a new Commonwealth Games record in the 79 kg snatch with a lift of 149 kg.
The Army’s dominance has been equally evident in boxing. Of India’s 14-member boxing contingent, 11 boxers (78.57%) are from the Indian Army. Eight of those 11 Army boxers (72.7%) have progressed to the semi-finals, assuring themselves medals.
The Army women have delivered a flawless campaign, with all four Army women boxers reaching the semi-finals:
- Hav Sakshi (51 kg)
- Nb Sub Preeti (54 kg)
- Nb Sub Jasmine (57 kg)
- Hav Arundhati (70 kg)
Havildar Arundhati, who serves under the Army’s Mission Olympics Programme, is already an accomplished international boxer. She previously won gold at the 7th Elite Women National Boxing Championship and the Asian Boxing Championship in Mongolia.
The Army’s campaign is set to continue, with two Army para-athletes competing on August 1, while two more Army athletes remain in contention in the men’s 400 m hurdles.
Neeraj Chopra, Yashvir Singh Win Javelin Medals
India added two more medals in the men’s javelin throw as Lt Colonel Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, VSM, secured silver and Yashvir Singh clinched bronze.
Neeraj produced a season-best throw of 85.83 metres to briefly lead the competition before Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage delivered a stunning 89.75-metre throw to claim gold.
Yashvir Singh saved his best for the final attempt, producing a personal best of 85.41 metres to secure bronze.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem endured a disappointing outing, failing to advance beyond the opening three rounds.
Asmita Dey’s Gold Carries a Story of Loss
While medals dominated the headlines, perhaps the most emotional moment belonged to Asmita Dey of Tripura.
The Belonia-born judoka stood on the podium with tears in her eyes after becoming the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Asmita defeated Canada’s Heidi Quach 2-1 by yuko in the women’s 48 kg final, delivering a watershed moment for Indian judo.
Yet her celebration was marked by profound personal grief.
Her father, Arjun Dey, a cycle mechanic who reportedly earned barely ₹300 a day, passed away in December 2025 after suffering a brain stroke, just days before Asmita qualified for the Commonwealth Games.
Born on March 22, 2003, in Belonia, the headquarters of South Tripura district, Asmita rose from humble beginnings in a modest mud house to stand atop the Commonwealth Games podium.
The one person she wanted to celebrate her historic triumph with was no longer there.
Her victory not only fulfilled a lifelong dream but also ended India’s long wait for a Commonwealth Games champion in judo, making it one of the most inspiring stories of Glasgow 2026.
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