LS Speaker Om Birla lauds CWG 2026 medallists, Anahat Singh's historic World Junior Squash title
New Delhi, July 28
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday congratulated Indian athletes who won medals at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and 18-year-old squash player Anahat Singh for winning the World Junior Squash Championship 2026 title in Canada.
Addressing the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon Session, Birla said India's para athlete Sharmila Dhankar won gold, while Shilpa K Shyla secured bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
He also highlighted the silver-medal performances of Sarvesh Kushare, Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav, while congratulating Bindyarani Devi for winning bronze.
"In the ongoing Commonwealth Games, India's Para athlete Sharmila Dhankar has won a gold medal. Shilpa K Shyla has won a bronze medal. Sarvesh Kushare, Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav won silver medals. Meanwhile, Bindiyarani Devi won a bronze medal, bringing glory to India in this competition," the Lok Sabha Speaker said.
Birla also praised Anahat Singh for her historic achievement at the World Junior Squash Championship 2026 in Canada.
She defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls' singles final of the World Squash Junior Championships 2026 to claim the prestigious title on Saturday. With the win, Anahat scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Squash Junior Championships title.
"On the other hand, India's 18-year-old squash player, Anahat Singh, has achieved a historic feat by winning the World Junior Squash Championship 2026 title in Canada," he said.
"On behalf of the House, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the athletes who have brought pride to the country for their contribution, as well as to Team India, the coaches, and their family members," Birla added.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said Parliament's recognition of athletes' achievements sends a positive message and represents the appreciation of the country's people, which helps boost the morale of sportspersons.
"A positive message goes out that when our athletes win gold, silver, and bronze through hard work at the international level, and the Parliament applauds them, it represents the appreciation of 140 crore (1.4 billion) people, which boosts their morale," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While it's good that Parliament acknowledged these achievements, I wish they'd spend more time discussing actual issues like farmer protests and unemployment rather than just reading out names. But yes, congratulations to all athletes who made India proud! 👏
Anahat Singh's performance is incredible. The way she dominated the Egyptian player 3-0 shows the depth of squash talent emerging from India. Also heartwarming to see the House applauding para athletes - Sharmila Dhankar's gold is a testament to her determination.
Love seeing women athletes leading the charge! Sharmila Dhankar (gold), Shilpa Shyla (bronze), Gyaneshwari Yadav (silver), Bindyarani Devi (bronze) - our women are unstoppable. And Anahat Singh at just 18... mindblowing! 🇮🇳
Good to see Speaker Birla highlighting these achievements. But we need more than just words - better sports infrastructure, coaches, and financial support. Otherwise these glories remain isolated incidents. Let's build a system that produces champions regularly.
Fantastic recognition from Lok Sabha. The Speaker's point about 140 crore people applauding sends a powerful message. Anahat Singh's world junior title puts India on the squash map. Also well-deserved applause for our para athletes who overcome tremendous challenges.
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