President Murmu lauds India's women CWG gold medalists on eve of Independence Day
New Delhi, August 14
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday praised India's women sportspersons for their contribution to the country's success at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where they accounted for eight of India's 13 gold medals.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, President Murmu said sports are increasingly being used as a means of youth development and nation-building, while government initiatives such as Khelo India are helping strengthen the sporting ecosystem across the country.
"In the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women have won 8 out of India's total tally of 13 gold medals. Our women are increasingly achieving economic self-reliance," the President said.
"Sports are being adopted as a medium for promoting the development of our youth and for nation-building. Under the Khelo India program, the sports ecosystem is being developed across the country, from the grassroots to the national level," she added.
The President also said the government's unprecedented investments in sports are yielding results, with Indian athletes making significant progress at international competitions.
"The Government is making unprecedented investments to promote sports. These efforts are yielding good results. In international sports tournaments, there has been a remarkable leap in the performance and achievements of our sportspersons," she said.
India finished fourth in the overall standings at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze.
The country's women's gold medallists included boxers Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, Sakshi Chaudhary and Arundhati Choudhary, along with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, judoka Asmita Dey and para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar.
The Glasgow Games also marked the formal beginning of India's preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with the Commonwealth Games flag handed over during the closing ceremony.
India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to hoist the national flag at the Red Fort and address the nation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's refreshing to see women taking the lead in sports. Eight out of 13 gold medals is no small feat. The Khelo India initiative seems to be paying off. However, I'd like to see more focus on rural areas where talent often goes unnoticed. Let's hope the government continues to invest in grassroots development.
As someone who follows international sports closely, I must say India's performance at the CWG was commendable. The women's contingent, in particular, showed tremendous grit and determination. It's great to see the government's efforts in promoting sports at the grassroots level. Looking forward to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad!
Women powering India's success at the CWG is a testament to their resilience and talent. From Mirabai Chanu to the boxers, each one has made the nation proud. But let's also remember that behind every gold medal, there are years of struggle, sacrifice, and lack of proper facilities for many. The government must ensure that these athletes get the support they deserve even after the medals. 🙌
Great to see India's progress in sports, especially with women leading the charge. The Commonwealth Games performance is a clear indicator that the investment in sports infrastructure is working. Hosting the 2030 CWG in Ahmedabad will be a massive opportunity to showcase India's capabilities. Well done!
President Murmu's words are inspiring, but I hope the government doesn't just celebrate these victories and then forget about the athletes. Many of our sportspersons struggle with funding, training facilities, and job security after their playing days are over. We need a more comprehensive sports policy
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.