Glasgow CWG 2026: President Murmu hails India's 39 medals, women win 8 of 13 gold
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday congratulated the Indian contingent on their performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, singling out women athletes for special recognition after they claimed 8 of India's 13 gold medals. India concluded the Games with a total of 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze — finishing fourth in the overall medal standings.
President's Message to the Contingent
'I am delighted that India's sportspersons have put up an excellent performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. I am especially happy to note that women have brought us 8 out of the 13 gold medals won by India,' President Murmu wrote in her congratulatory message.
She extended her felicitations beyond the medal winners, acknowledging every member of the travelling squad. 'My hearty congratulations to all the 39 medal winners and every member of the contingent who contributed during the Games. I am sure that India's sportspersons will bring greater glory to the country in the future international events,' she added.
Women Athletes Lead India's Gold Rush
The standout story of India's Glasgow campaign was the dominance of female athletes, who accounted for eight of the country's 13 gold medals. This performance underscores a broader shift in Indian sport, where women have increasingly driven the nation's medal haul at multi-sport events over the past decade.
India's fourth-place finish in the medal tally reflects a competitive showing against traditional powerhouses, though it also signals room for growth ahead of the landmark 2030 edition.
Glasgow Closes, Ahmedabad Awaits
The Commonwealth Games 2026 officially concluded in Glasgow on Sunday, with the Games flag symbolically handed over to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, marking India's formal assumption of hosting duties for the next edition.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad and carry historic significance — they mark the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Games. India will become only the second nation after Australia to host the event twice, a milestone that adds considerable weight to the Ahmedabad bid's legacy.
What This Means for Indian Sport
The Glasgow campaign provides a useful benchmark ahead of 2030, when India will be both host and competitor. Hosting rights traditionally spur investment in infrastructure and athlete development programmes. With four years to prepare, sporting bodies and the government are expected to intensify grassroots and elite training pipelines, particularly in disciplines where India narrowly missed podium finishes in Glasgow.
The centenary edition will be watched closely as a test of India's ability to translate hosting ambition into a top-three medal finish on home soil.