Indian para-athlete Dilip Gavit sets eyes on two Asian Para Games golds after record-breaking CWG success
New Delhi, August 4
Indian para-athlete Dilip Gavit has his eyes set on two Asian Para Games gold medals after a record-breaking gold medal in the 100 m T47 event at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
India captured 16 medals in athletics at CWG 2026, with three golds, seven silver medals and six bronze medals. Out of this, six medals, including all three golds, came in para-athletics. History was scripted as in the men's 100 m T47 event, Gavit established a new CWG record by clocking 10.71 seconds to claim the gold medal.
Speaking to ANI, Gavit expressed happiness with his performance and vowed to do even better in the Asian Games, with golds in both 100 m and 400 m competitions. He also pointed out the challenges faced in Glasgow and the support of the government to sportspersons.
"I am very happy that I completed 100 meters in CWG, represented my country and made a record, winning gold. In the Asian Games, I want to win gold in both 100 meters and 400 meters," he said.
"PCI (Paralympic Committee of India), SAI (Sports Authority of India) and central government support us a lot with our training, diet and recovery. Though the weather in Glasgow was challenging. It was really cold out there."
Para-athlete Mohammed Basil, who secured the silver medal in the same event with timings of 10.83 seconds, also echoed his teammate's sentiments, pointing out the challenging weather in Glasgow.
"This is my first competition and I am delighted, though the weather was a little challenging. I will come back in the next competitions," he said.
The 2026 Games were hosted under a compact format, leading to the removal of major Indian medal-earning events like shooting, wrestling, and badminton.
India finished fourth in the medals table at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. India officially began its journey towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Amdavad as the Commonwealth Games Flag was ceremonially handed over during a spectacular Closing Ceremony that celebrated the conclusion of Glasgow 2026 and looked ahead to the historic centenary edition of the Games.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's so heartening to see our para-athletes getting recognition and support. The fact that India got all three golds in para-athletics shows the depth of talent we have. Dilip's confidence to target double gold in Asian Games is inspiring. Also, great to see Mohammed Basil backing him up with a silver!
Congratulations to Dilip Gavit from across the pond! His 10.71 seconds is a world-class time in the T47 category. The weather in Glasgow can be unforgiving, so it's even more impressive that he set a record there. India's para-sports programme is clearly world-class now.
Incredible achievement! But I feel the compact format of the Games didn't do justice to India's medal tally. Removing shooting, wrestling, and badminton cost us dearly. Still, 13 golds and a fourth-place finish is commendable. And the flag handover for Amdavad 2030 makes me so proud! 🏏
Dilip Gavit is a true inspiration. His journey from training in tough conditions to breaking CWG records shows the spirit of our athletes. The support from PCI and SAI is crucial, but we need more grassroots development for para-sports. Let's hope the 2030 Amdavad Games will be a game-changer for Indian sports!
What a remarkable performance! The fact that India's para-athletes are outperforming their able-bodied counterparts at these Games is a testament to their resilience. Basil's silver in his first major competition is also exciting – the future of Indian para-athletics looks very bright
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