Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Celebrates Army Athletes' Commonwealth Games Success

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday lauded Army personnel for their stellar performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where they secured 16 medals, including eight gold, seven silver, and one bronze. The achievement contributed significantly to India’s overall tally of 39 medals, which included 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze. Armed forces athletes collectively won 18 medals, with the Army dominating the count and the Navy adding two to the haul.

"A Perfect Blend of Soldier and Champion"

Describing the athletes’ performance as “extraordinary,” Singh praised their ability to excel under immense physical and mental pressure on the global stage. He called them a "perfect blend of a soldier and a champion," highlighting their role as an inspiration, particularly for the youth.

The Defence Minister also underscored the remarkable achievements of Indian women boxers, who clinched four of the six boxing gold medals won by the country. He expressed hope that their success would encourage more young women to pursue boxing and consider careers in the armed forces.

Rise of Sporting Talent Across India

Singh noted the emergence of sporting talent from diverse parts of the country, emphasizing how this reflects the democratisation of sports in India. He pointed out that sporting success is no longer confined to specific sections of society and wished the athletes well for upcoming international events, including the Asian Games and the Olympics.

Army Chief Commends Athletes

Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth also interacted with and felicitated the Army contingent for their outstanding performance. He commended their contribution to India’s strong medal tally and encouraged them to continue excelling in future competitions.

This recognition of armed forces athletes underscores their dual commitment to serving the nation both on the field and in sports arenas, setting an inspiring example for all Indians.

Source: The Hindu