There are moments in sport that go beyond the medal table. They redefine what athletes from a country can achieve. India’s campaign at the CWG 2026 witnessed one such moment when high jumper Sarvesh Kushare produced the performance of his career to win a historic silver medal. Just hours later, weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu strengthened India’s medal tally with another silver, making it a memorable day for Indian sports fans.
The twin achievements drew praise from across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated both athletes for their outstanding performances. For Indian athletics and weightlifting, the day represented more than two silver medals—it highlighted the growing depth of talent capable of competing with the world’s best.
Quick Summary
- ✅ Sarvesh Kushare won silver in the men’s high jump at CWG 2026.
- ✅ He became the first Indian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in high jump.
- ✅ Kushare cleared 2.29 metres to secure second place.
- ✅ Australia’s Yual Reath claimed gold with a Games record jump of 2.33m.
- ✅ Valluri Ajaya Babu won silver in weightlifting after lifting 370kg in total.
- ✅ Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both athletes on social media.
- ✅ The medals strengthened India’s campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
Sarvesh Kushare Scripts History at CWG 2026
Indian athletics has produced several memorable performances over the past decade, but Sarvesh Kushare’s achievement in Glasgow deserves a special place in the record books.
Competing against an elite field, Kushare displayed remarkable consistency throughout the men’s high jump final. He successfully cleared 2.29 metres, securing the silver medal and becoming the first Indian man to reach the Commonwealth Games podium in the event.
Gold went to Australia’s Yual Reath, whose 2.33m clearance established a new Commonwealth Games record. New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr finished third with a jump of 2.26m.
Although Kushare narrowly missed the gold, his silver medal is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest achievements in field events at the Commonwealth Games.
For years, Indian athletics has been recognised for javelin throw, long-distance running and race walking. High jump rarely attracted similar attention. Kushare’s performance has changed that conversation.
How Sarvesh Kushare Reached This Historic Milestone
Success at this level rarely happens overnight.
Sarvesh Kushare has spent years improving his technique, strength and consistency on the international circuit. Representing Maharashtra, he gradually established himself as India’s leading high jumper through strong performances in national championships and international competitions.
His rise accelerated after setting the Indian national record earlier in 2026. That performance gave him confidence heading into the Commonwealth Games.
Unlike many sporting success stories built around sudden breakthroughs, Kushare’s journey reflects steady progress, resilience and years of disciplined training.
His CWG silver now stands as the biggest achievement of his career.
Why This Medal Matters
The significance extends beyond personal success.
His medal:
- Ends India’s long wait for a men’s Commonwealth Games high jump medal.
- Highlights India’s growing strength in field events.
- Inspires young athletes to consider high jump as a competitive discipline.
- Demonstrates the value of long-term investment in athletics coaching.
For Indian athletics, this silver could prove to be a defining moment.
Ajaya Babu Adds Another Silver in Weightlifting
India’s celebrations continued when Valluri Ajaya Babu secured another silver medal in weightlifting.
Ajaya produced an impressive overall lift of 370kg, comprising:
- 170kg in Snatch
- 200kg in Clean & Jerk
His 170kg snatch established a new Commonwealth Games record, showcasing exceptional technique and strength under pressure.
Gold remained just out of reach after he narrowly missed his final Clean & Jerk attempt, falling short by a single kilogram overall.
Despite the disappointment of missing gold, Ajaya’s performance reaffirmed India’s reputation as one of the strongest weightlifting nations in the Commonwealth.
After receiving his medal, he dedicated the achievement to his family, coaches and support staff, acknowledging their contribution throughout his journey.
PM Modi Congratulates India’s Medal Winners
A spectacular Silver for Sarvesh Kushare in Men’s High Jump at #CWG2026! His determination and consistency have been noteworthy. Congratulations to him on this outstanding achievement. India is proud of him. Wishing him many more successes ahead. pic.twitter.com/9JwypnM0Rb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2026
Soon after both events concluded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sarvesh Kushare and Valluri Ajaya Babu through social media.
In his message for Kushare, the Prime Minister described the achievement as historic, noting that becoming the first Indian male athlete to win a Commonwealth Games medal in high jump reflected years of determination and hard work.
While congratulating Ajaya Babu, PM Modi praised his outstanding weightlifting performance and highlighted his Commonwealth Games record in the snatch event. He wished both athletes continued success in future international competitions.
The recognition from the country’s highest political office added further significance to the achievements and reflected the growing national appreciation for athletics and weightlifting.
President Droupadi Murmu and Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also extended their congratulations, calling the performances proud moments for Indian sport.
What This Means for India’s Commonwealth Games Campaign
Every medal contributes to the overall standings, but certain performances carry greater symbolic importance.
Sarvesh Kushare’s silver demonstrates that Indian athletes can compete successfully in technical field events traditionally dominated by Australia, New Zealand and European nations.
Similarly, Ajaya Babu’s podium finish reinforces India’s long-standing excellence in weightlifting.
Together, the medals provide several positives:
Stronger Athletics Programme
India’s athletics programme continues to diversify beyond sprinting and javelin throw.
Continued Weightlifting Success
Weightlifting remains one of India’s most reliable medal-producing sports at major multi-sport events.
Greater Confidence for Future Competitions
Athletes preparing for upcoming international championships will draw confidence from these performances.
Why Sarvesh Kushare’s Silver Could Inspire the Next Generation
Every generation needs athletes who redefine expectations.
Young high jumpers across India now have tangible proof that international medals are possible with dedication, quality coaching and patience.
Unlike sports with widespread commercial support, high jump often develops away from the spotlight. Kushare’s success could encourage more investment in coaching infrastructure, sports science and grassroots athletics programmes.
His story also reminds aspiring athletes that consistent improvement matters more than instant fame.
India’s Growing Strength in Athletics
Over the last decade, Indian athletics has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Improved training facilities, greater scientific support and increased international exposure have helped athletes compete more consistently on the global stage.
From track events to throws and jumps, India is no longer dependent on a single discipline.
Sarvesh Kushare’s silver adds another chapter to this progress and signals that Indian athletes are capable of challenging established international competitors in events once considered beyond reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won India’s historic high jump silver at CWG 2026?
Sarvesh Kushare won the silver medal in the men’s high jump, becoming the first Indian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the event after clearing 2.29 metres.
What medal did Ajaya Babu win at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Valluri Ajaya Babu secured a silver medal in weightlifting with a total lift of 370kg, including a Commonwealth Games record of 170kg in the snatch.
What did PM Modi say about Sarvesh Kushare?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sarvesh Kushare for creating history in the men’s high jump and praised his determination, dedication and inspiring achievement for Indian athletics.
Why is Sarvesh Kushare’s medal historic?
His silver is India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in the men’s high jump, marking a major milestone for Indian athletics and field events.
Conclusion
India’s double success through Sarvesh Kushare and Valluri Ajaya Babu turned another day at the Commonwealth Games 2026 into a memorable chapter for Indian sport. Kushare’s historic silver has expanded India’s legacy in athletics, while Ajaya Babu reinforced the country’s dominance in weightlifting. Together, their performances reflect the growing depth of Indian talent and offer fresh inspiration to the next generation of athletes chasing international glory.