President Murmu lauds para-athletes, Sreeshankar for CWG 2026 success
New Delhi, July 30
President Droupadi Murmu showered praise on Indian para-athletes Dilip Mahadu Gavit and Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi for their historic 1-2 finish in the men's T47 100m event and long-jumper Murali Sreeshankar for winning the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
Gavit clinched the gold medal with a games record, clocking 10.71 seconds, in the men's 100m T47, while compatriot Mohammed Basil secured the silver medal with a season-best timing 10.83 seconds, giving India a double podium.
"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," the President shared on X.
Sreeshankar delivered another memorable performance, clinching the silver medal in the men's long jump with a best effort of 8.09m in a high-quality final.
"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," the President wrote in another post.
The 27-year-old long-jumper had won a silver medal in the Birmingham edition in 2022 with a jump of 8.08 metres and became the first male long jumper from India to win a silver medal at the Games.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also lavished praise on Sreeshankar for her second silver at the Games.
"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," he posted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Superb achievement by our para-athletes especially - they overcome so many challenges just to compete. The government should use this momentum to invest more in grassroots sports infrastructure across all states, not just big cities. Still, kudos to the winners! 🙌
Sreeshankar's comeback from that knee injury is the real story here. To come back and win silver again shows true champion mentality. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's words about his resilience are spot on. These athletes deserve all the support we can give.
Lovely to see India dominating in para athletics. The T47 100m double podium is historic. But I hope we also focus on providing better coaching and facilities for these athletes - they deserve world-class support, not just praise after winning. Great job, champions!
Dilip Gavit's games record of 10.71s in T47 is phenomenal! And Basil's season-best at 10.83s shows our depth in the event. Only thing I wish is that the media gave equal coverage to para sports as they do to cricket. These athletes are true heroes.
Inspiring stories all around. The President's recognition is well-deserved. But let's be honest - 8.09m for Sreeshankar is a bit below his personal best (8.36m). Hope our athletics federation works on getting our athletes peak performance in major events.
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