Nitish Kumar congratulates India's CWG 2026 Glasgow medallists
Synopsis
Former Bihar CM and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar congratulated five Indian athletes — including para-athlete Shilpa Shayla and weightlifter Bindiyarani Devi — on winning medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, praising their dedication and discipline.
Key Takeaways
Former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar congratulated five Indian medallists at Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow via a post on 28 July 2026 .
Shilpa Kanchugarkoppalu Shayla won a bronze medal in the Women's Shot Put F57 para-athletics event.
Other medallists named: Gyaneshwari Yadav , Valluri Ajay Babu , Sarvesh Anil Kushare , and Bindiyarani Devi .
Kumar called their performances a symbol of 'dedication, discipline and devotion.' Bindiyarani Devi , a weightlifter from Manipur, is a returning Commonwealth Games medallist with prior international experience.
Five Indian athletes brought home medals from Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games 2026, and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was among the first political voices to salute them — singling out each winner by name in a post on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
Kumar extended his congratulations to Shilpa Kanchugarkoppalu Shayla, who claimed a bronze medal in the Women's Shot Put F57 para-athletics event — a discipline that demands both explosive power and precise technique from athletes with a physical impairment classification. He also congratulated Gyaneshwari Yadav, Valluri Ajay Babu, Sarvesh Anil Kushare, and Bindiyarani Devi for their respective medal-winning performances across different events at the Games.
'A symbol of dedication, discipline and devotion'
In his message — posted in Hindi — Kumar described the athletes' performances as a reflection of their commitment: 'aapki lagan, anushasan aur samarpan ka prateek hai' ('a symbol of your dedication, discipline and devotion'). He wished all five a bright future and continued success on the international stage.
Bindiyarani Devi's return to the Commonwealth podium
Bindiyarani Devi is among the more recognised names on the list. The weightlifter from Manipur has previously represented India at the Commonwealth level and her inclusion in this group of medallists marks another chapter in a career built on consistency. Her medal at Glasgow 2026 adds to India's growing tally at the quadrennial event.
Indian political leaders across the spectrum routinely use social media to acknowledge sporting achievements, but Kumar's post stood out for its specificity — five names, five events, one message that refused to lump them together under a generic headline. That is the kind of recognition athletes rarely get from the political class.
With the Glasgow 2026 Games still underway, India's full medal count is yet to be tallied. If the early returns from these five athletes are any indication, the contingent is performing well above the line.
Point of View
Rather than issuing blanket praise, signal an awareness of sports as a soft-power and voter-sentiment tool. The shout-out to a para-athlete (Shilpa Shayla) alongside mainstream competitors reflects a broader national push to mainstream para-sports in public discourse. With Bihar elections perpetually on the horizon, Kumar's visibility on national-pride moments keeps him relevant beyond state politics. The Glasgow 2026 Games are also an early test of India's post-Birmingham momentum in Commonwealth competition.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Nitish Kumar congratulate at Commonwealth Games 2026?
Nitish Kumar congratulated five Indian athletes: Shilpa Kanchugarkoppalu Shayla, Gyaneshwari Yadav, Valluri Ajay Babu, Sarvesh Anil Kushare, and Bindiyarani Devi for winning medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
What medal did Shilpa Kanchugarkoppalu Shayla win at CWG 2026?
Shilpa Kanchugarkoppalu Shayla won a bronze medal in the Women's Shot Put F57 para-athletics event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
Where are the Commonwealth Games 2026 being held?
The Commonwealth Games 2026 are being held in Glasgow, Scotland.
Who is Bindiyarani Devi?
Bindiyarani Devi is an Indian weightlifter from Manipur who has represented India at the Commonwealth Games level on multiple occasions and is among the medallists at Glasgow 2026.
What did Nitish Kumar say about the Indian athletes' performance?
Nitish Kumar described the athletes' performances as a symbol of their 'dedication, discipline and devotion,' and wished them a bright future and continued success on the international stage.
