Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauds Army's 'extraordinary' 16-medal haul at Commonwealth Games
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (August 14, 2026) met and felicitated Army personnel who won 16 medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The Army contingent’s haul comprised eight gold, seven silver and one bronze.
The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, with participation from member nations of the Commonwealth. This year’s edition in Glasgow saw athletes compete in a range of sports, including athletics, boxing, shooting, and wrestling.
India secured a total of 39 medals at the Games — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. Personnel from the armed forces contributed 18 of these medals, with the Army winning 16 and the Navy two. This underlines the significant role that uniformed sportspersons play in India’s sporting achievements.
Mr. Singh described the performance of the armed forces sportspersons as “extraordinary”. He commended their determination and their ability to withstand physical and mental pressure while competing at the international level. He said the athletes were a source of inspiration, particularly for the youth, and described them as a “perfect blend of a soldier and a champion”.
The Defence Minister also praised the Indian women boxers, who secured four of the six boxing gold medals won by India. He said this achievement would encourage more girls to take up boxing and consider careers in the armed forces, where they could receive training, facilities, and institutional support.
Mr. Singh further noted that sporting talent was emerging from different parts of the country. He said this reflected the democratisation of sports in India, with success no longer limited to a particular section of society. He expressed confidence that this trend would continue, leading to greater achievements in the years ahead.
The Minister wished the athletes success in upcoming international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics. He conveyed that their achievements had made the nation proud.
Separately, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth also interacted with and felicitated the Army contingent for its performance at the Commonwealth Games. He commended the sportspersons for their achievements and their contribution to India’s strong medal tally.
The Indian armed forces have traditionally been a nursery for sporting talent. Institutions such as the Army Sports Control Board, the Navy Sports Control Board, and the Air Force Sports Control Board identify and groom promising athletes from within their ranks. Personnel are provided with training infrastructure, coaches, and time to prepare for competitions. The Army Sports Institute in Pune is one such facility that offers support to athletes in various disciplines. Many serving members have represented India at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major events over the decades.
The performance of the armed forces at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is a continuation of this legacy. The personal felicitation by the Defence Minister and the Army Chief underscores the importance given to sports within the defence establishment. It also serves as a reminder that the nation’s athletes in uniform continue to bring laurels both on the field and in their service to the country.
