India has finally been able to put an end to some of the oldest medal droughts in the Commonwealth Games, as Glasgow 2026 was one of those events that brought about some of the most important breakthroughs ever seen in the history of Indian athletics. From para athletics and long-distance runs to the high jump, India has managed to set records that it had not seen in many years. Previous years have also witnessed some important events in other categories like discus throw and lawn bowls.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games turned out to be a milestone for Indian athletes. Many Indian athletes performed in ways that allowed them to break their long-running medal drought in different categories. Some of these achievements have even helped India create new records like winning its first para athletics gold, its first men's 10,000m medal, and its first men's high jump silver.

India's Long-Awaited Commonwealth Games Medal Breakthroughs

1. Para Shot Put (F57) - 20-years

Sharmila Dhankar made history at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games by clinching gold in the women's F57 shot put, marking one of India's most significant achievements. With a season-best throw of 9.81 meters, she not only secured the country's first-ever gold in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games but also ended a two-decade-long wait for an Indian para athletics medal. The last one was a bronze by Ranjith Kumar Jayaseelan in the men's seated discus throw back in 2006 at the Melbourne Games. To top it off, India celebrated a remarkable double podium as Shilpa K. Shyla brought home the bronze medal.

2. Men's 10,000m - 92-years

Gulveer Singh made history by becoming the first Indian man to snag a medal in the 10,000m race at the Commonwealth Games. Competing in pouring rain at Glasgow 2026, he ran a smart and steady race, ultimately clinching the silver with a time of 27:49.78. Australia's Ky Robinson took home the gold, finishing just a heartbeat ahead at 27:48.93. Singh's remarkable achievement ended a long 92-year wait, marking India's first medal in the men's 10,000m since the country made its Commonwealth Games debut back in 1934.

3. Women's Discus Throw - 52-years

Krishna Poonia created a landmark moment for Indian athletics during the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. With an impressive throw of 61.51 metres, she clinched the gold medal and helped India achieve a remarkable clean sweep alongside Harwant Kaur and Seema Antil. Even more significant, Poonia made history as the first Indian woman to win an athletics gold at the Games. This victory marked the end of a 52-year drought since Milkha Singh's gold in the 440-yard race at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff.

4. Lawn Bowls Women's - 92 years

India's women's fours team, featuring Lovely Choubey, Pinki Singh, Nayanmoni Saikia, and Rupa Rani Tirkey, pulled off a stunning upset at Birmingham 2022. They triumphed over South Africa with a score of 17-10, clinching the gold medal and marking India's very first Commonwealth Games medal in lawn bowls. This remarkable victory ended a 92-year drought, as India had never made it to the podium in this sport, which has been part of the Games since 1930.