Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha on 27 July 2026 paid tribute to India's coaching staff at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, asserting that every medal the country earns carries the fingerprints of the coaches who build athletes over years of unrecognised effort. Her remarks came as India's campaign gathered momentum, with early performances in para powerlifting and weightlifting drawing attention.

Usha's Message on Coaching

In a statement issued through an IOA release, Usha said: 'As an athlete, I have always believed that behind every great performance is a great coach. Coaches spend years nurturing talent, building confidence, and getting athletes ready for their biggest moments. They may not stand on the podium, but every medal India wins reflects a coach's commitment and sacrifice. The Indian Olympic Association values their contributions deeply, and we are focused on providing our athletes with strong coaching support.'

The comments carry particular weight coming from Usha, herself one of India's most celebrated track athletes, who understands the coach-athlete dynamic from personal experience.

Early Indian Performances at Glasgow 2026

India opened its CWG 2026 account with a medal in para powerlifting, underscoring the depth of preparation across disciplines. Weightlifters Mirabai Chanu and Rishikanta Singh Chanambam delivered record-breaking performances, continuing India's rise as a weightlifting force on the Commonwealth stage.

Chief weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma, credited with guiding Olympic medallist Chanu to sustained international success, was identified as central to these results. His support staff — assistant coaches and recovery personnel — keep athletes physically primed and mentally steady through the demands of competition.

Coaching Depth Across Disciplines

The breadth of India's coaching infrastructure at Glasgow spans every sport in the contingent. Athletics chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair oversees a team covering sprints, middle- and long-distance events, jumps, and throws. Elite performers such as Neeraj Chopra and Murali Sreeshankar work in close coordination with their personal coaches alongside the national setup.

In the pool, coaches Nihar Ameen and Sandeep Sejwal blend technical precision with their own elite competitive experience to prepare India's swimmers for international-level racing. Boxing coaches, meanwhile, dedicate hours to opponent analysis and tactical refinement — with ringside advice between rounds capable of swinging a closely contested bout.

For India's para athletes, coach Jitender Pal Singh has been highlighted for providing both technical guidance and the psychological reinforcement that para competitors require at a major Games.

IOA's Investment in Support Staff

The IOA has positioned comprehensive coaching support as a strategic priority — not merely a medal-chasing exercise but a commitment to athlete well-being, confidence, and long-term development. Officials view the investment in experienced coaches and technical staff as foundational to sustaining India's performance trajectory beyond any single edition of the Games.

With the 2026 Commonwealth Games still unfolding, the focus on coaching infrastructure signals that India's sporting ambitions extend well past the Glasgow medal tally.