CWG 2026 Day 5 update: Sharmila Dhankar gold and more
On Day 5 of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, Sharmila Dhankar secured gold in the women’s shot put F57 with a 9.81 metre effort. The performance contributed to India’s rising medal tally at the Games, alongside other events that saw Indian para-athletes excel. Shyla K. Shyla earned bronze in the same event, underscoring India’s improving depth in para athletics. The day highlighted the resilience of Indian athletes amid tough international competition and reinforced the country’s momentum in track and field events at major multi-sport events.
Dhankar wins 9.81 m gold in F57 shot put.
India’s para-athletics medal tally strengthens.
Shyla K. Shyla secures bronze in same event.
Day 5 showcases India’s growing depth in para sports.
CWG 2026 remains a platform for national athletic progress.
Sharmila Dhankar wins Commonwealth Games gold
Sharmila Dhankar won the gold medal in the women’s F57 shot put at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. She achieved a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to finish first. The victory ends India’s 20-year wait for a para-athletics CWG gold, marking a historic milestone for Indian para sport. India had previously earned a CWG medal in this discipline in 2006. Dhankar’s triumph adds to India’s medal tally at the Games and highlights the growing strength of para-athletes on the international stage.
Dhankar won women’s F57 shot put gold in Glasgow 2026.
The sixth Lieutenant Governor’s Cup Horse Polo Championship concluded in Drass, Ladakh, in July 2026. The Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre defeated the Animal Husbandry Department, Leh, in the final to win the trophy. The tournament featured 18 men’s teams and four women’s teams from across Ladakh, showcasing the region’s polo and equestrian traditions. Organisers highlighted the event’s role in promoting local sport, youth participation, and cultural heritage. The championship underscored Ladakh’s enduring polo culture, bringing together players from varied districts to compete in a high-altitude setting.
Ladakh Scouts won the LG Cup Polo Championship.
Held in Drass, Ladakh, July 2026.
18 men’s teams and 4 women’s teams participated.
Lesions highlight Ladakh’s polo heritage.
Event supports youth engagement in sport.
Jul 29, 2026
Commonwealth Games weightlifting medals: Lawal gold, Taschereau silver, Bindyarani bronze
At the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Nigeria’s Rafiatu Folashade Lawal won the women’s 58 kg weightlifting gold with a total lift of 229 kg. Canada’s Ann Sophie Taschereau took silver with 215 kg, while India’s Bindyarani Devi earned bronze with 199 kg. The podium results highlight Nigeria's strength in women's weightlifting and contribute to India's medal tally at the Games. Indian selectors will assess performances for future events and funding decisions. The competition draws athletes from 25 Commonwealth nations and continues across multiple weight categories, drawing wide media attention and public interest in Indian weightlifters’ progress.
Lawal won gold in the women's 58 kg at Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Tascherau silver; Bindyarani Devi bronze for India (199 kg).
Results impact selection and funding for Indian weightlifting.
Event features participants from 25 Commonwealth nations.
Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 opens in New Delhi
The 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship is being held in New Delhi from 27 July to 2 August 2026. Players from 25 Commonwealth nations are participating, with 21 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams. India began strongly with 3–0 victories over Zimbabwe and the Maldives. The event provides a platform for Indian players to showcase talent on home soil and helps gauge readiness for forthcoming international competitions. Organisers highlight the tournament’s role in sports diplomacy and in boosting local engagement with table tennis, along with potential benefits for sponsorship and youth participation in the sport.
22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship in New Delhi, 27 July to 2 August 2026.
India started with 3–0 wins over Zimbabwe and Maldives.
Event boosts sports diplomacy and domestic engagement in table tennis.
Jul 28, 2026
Esha Singh wins ISSF World Cup Gold; Manu Bhaker bronze
Indian shooter Esha Singh won the gold medal in the women's 25-metre pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, in July 2026, delivering a final score of 40 hits. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker secured the bronze, giving India a double podium finish. The victory strengthens India's reputation in international shooting competitions. The Hangzhou event showcased young talent and consistent training across the national team, reinforcing confidence ahead of future assignments and rankings in world events.
Esha Singh wins gold in Hangzhou World Cup
Manu Bhaker wins bronze; India tops podium
Final score: 40 hits in the final
Contributes to India’s standing in ISSF circuits
Boosts confidence ahead of future events
Raja Muthupandi wins Commonwealth Games silver
Indian weightlifter Raja Muthupandi won silver in the men's 65 kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, lifting a total of 286 kg to finish second behind Malaysia's Aznil Bidin, who took gold. The result marked India's fourth medal at the Games and added to the country’s weightlifting campaign. Muthupandi's performance followed national-level preparations and support for weightlifters. Coaches praised his consistency in the snatch and clean and jerk, noting improvements in effort and technique. The event underscored India's prospects for a strong finish, with further training and nutrition support planned for the team.
Muthupandi wins silver in 65 kg category
Total lift: 286 kg; gold to Aznil Bidin (Malaysia)
India's fourth medal at the Games
Strong performance in snatch and clean & jerk
Ongoing training and nutrition support for team
Jul 27, 2026
Anahat Singh Creates Squash History at World Juniors
Anahat Singh won the women’s singles title at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships, held in July 2026 at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. The 18-year-old top seed defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in the final, becoming the first Indian to win a title in any category at the championship. The historic achievement highlights India’s rising talent in squash and is expected to boost development programs at the national level. Coaches, federation officials, and supporters lauded the victory, noting enhanced international exposure and the potential to inspire a new generation of players. The win marks a milestone for Indian squash on the world stage.
Anahat Singh wins 2026 World Junior Squash title.
Final opponent: Ruqayya Salem (Egypt).
18-year-old top seed; first Indian to win in World Juniors.
Event held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, in July 2026.
Win boosts Indian squash’s profile and development.
Mirabai Chanu Wins Commonwealth Games Gold in 2026
Mirabai Chanu won the women’s 48 kg weightlifting gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She achieved a total lift of 190 kilograms, with 85 kg in the snatch and 105 kg in the clean and jerk, setting Commonwealth Games records for the event. This marks her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, following titles in 2018 and 2022. Her achievement boosted India’s medal tally and drew praise from coaches and officials. Chanu dedicated the win to supporters and reaffirmed her training plans for upcoming international competitions. The performance underscores India’s strength in weightlifting at major multisport events.
Chanu wins gold in women’s 48 kg at 2026 CWG.
Total lift 190 kg (85 snatch, 105 jerk) set Games record.
Third consecutive CWG gold (2018, 2022, 2026).
Boosts India’s medal tally and visibility in weightlifting.
Officials commend the performance and training regime.
Jul 26, 2026
Viswanathan Anand Appointed Interim President of FIDE
Viswanathan Anand was named Interim President of FIDE in July 2026. He assumed duties after FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich was placed on the European Union sanctions list. Anand will perform presidential functions while sanctions remain in force. He is one of India's most celebrated chess players, and his appointment marks the first time an Indian leads the world chess body. The decision followed governance concerns within FIDE and the sanction measures. The interim period will allow time to organize leadership elections and ensure continuity in FIDE operations. Analysts described the move as potentially stabilising leadership during regulatory scrutiny.
Anand named Interim President of FIDE in July 2026
Took over after EU sanctions on Arkady Dvorkovich
First Indian to head the world chess body (in an interim capacity)
Follows governance concerns within FIDE
Interim period to organise elections and ensure continuity