CWG 2026: Murmu hails Gavit-Basil 1-2 finish, Sreeshankar silver
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu on 30 July congratulated Indian para-athletes Dilip Mahadu Gavit and Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi for their historic 1-2 finish in the Men's 100m T47 event, and long-jumper Murali Sreeshankar for claiming silver at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. The back-to-back podium moments marked one of India's most celebrated days at the Games.
Historic Double Podium in Para Athletics
Gavit stormed to the gold medal in the Men's 100m T47 with a games record time of 10.71 seconds, while compatriot Mohammed Basil secured silver with a season-best 10.83 seconds, giving India an unprecedented 1-2 finish in the event. The result was immediately hailed as a landmark for Indian para athletics.
President Murmu posted on X: ‘Indian para athletics has scripted a memorable chapter of sporting excellence. Heartiest congratulations to Dilip Mahadu Gavit on winning the gold medal and Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi on securing the silver medal in the Men’s 100m T47 event at Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Your historic gold-silver finish is a landmark moment for Indian para athletics. May you continue to inspire the nation with your extraordinary determination and excellence.’
Sreeshankar Bags Consecutive CWG Silver
Murali Sreeshankar delivered a commanding performance in the Men’s Long Jump final, recording a best effort of 8.09m to clinch silver in what was described as a high-quality contest. The 27-year-old had previously won silver at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 with a jump of 8.08 metres, becoming the first male long jumper from India to win a silver medal at the Games.
President Murmu wrote on X: ‘Warm congratulations to Murali Sreeshankar on winning the silver medal in the men’s long jump at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026! Securing consecutive Commonwealth silver medals is a monumental achievement that makes the entire nation proud. Wishing you continued success and an illustrious career ahead.’
Rajnath Singh Salutes Sreeshankar’s Comeback
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to X to praise Sreeshankar, highlighting his comeback from a career-threatening knee injury as an added dimension to the achievement. Singh posted: ‘Heartiest congratulations to Murali Sreeshankar on winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s Long Jump Final at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Having also won the Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, Murali has once again brought laurels to the nation, reflecting his remarkable consistency, resilience, and unwavering determination. This achievement is made even more inspiring by his courageous comeback from a career-threatening knee injury. His success is a proud moment for India and an inspiration for countless young athletes across the country. Wishing him continued success and many more laurels for the nation.’
What It Means for Indian Sport
The Glasgow CWG 2026 podium sweep in para athletics and Sreeshankar’s back-to-back silver underscore a broader upward trajectory in Indian athletics at multi-sport events. Notably, Sreeshankar’s 8.09m jump at Glasgow marginally betters his 8.08m effort in Birmingham, suggesting continued progression despite injury setbacks. India’s para athletics contingent, too, has grown in depth and competitive quality, with a 1-2 finish in a sprint event representing a new high-water mark. The achievements are expected to fuel further investment and grassroots interest in both para and track-and-field disciplines ahead of future international cycles.