Indian athletics achieved another remarkable milestone at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, as 27-year-old discus thrower Seema Kaliramna secured a bronze medal. Balancing the demands of raising a three-year-old child while pursuing a doctorate in physical education, Kaliramna delivered an outstanding performance on the global stage. This podium finish represents her first major international medal since making her competitive comeback following childbirth, adding another proud chapter to India's campaign at the games.
Overcoming an Initial Setback to Lock In Bronze
The women's discus throw final began with a moment of tension for Seema Kaliramna when her initial attempt struck the frame of the shot put area, resulting in an invalid opening throw. Demonstrating exceptional composure, the Indian athlete quickly calibrated her execution. On her second attempt, she recorded a throw of 57.32 meters, immediately vaulting into third position in the standings.
Refining her technique further in the third and final attempt, Kaliramna unleashed a personal best throw for the competition at 58.65 meters. This effort successfully consolidated her third-place standing and sealed the bronze medal. The gold medal was claimed by Jamaica's Samantha Hall with an impressive throw of 61.66 meters, while Canada's Julia Tunks captured silver with a mark of 60.67 meters.
Battling Cold Weather, Academic Pursuits, and Motherhood
Reflecting on her podium accomplishment, Seema Kaliramna expressed immense joy over winning a medal in her debut Commonwealth Games appearance. She highlighted the challenging environmental conditions in Glasgow, noting that the freezing temperature required her to warm up repeatedly between attempts to prevent muscle stiffness and maintain readiness.
In addition to her athletic training, Kaliramna is actively enrolled in a PhD program at Chaudhary Bansi Lal University. She acknowledged the crucial support provided by her academic guide, Dr. Suresh Kumar Malik, stating that his encouragement played a pivotal role in managing her academic responsibilities alongside elite sports training. Having resumed competitive action at the National Games last year after taking maternity leave, her dedication has yielded a historic medal at the international level.
India's Overall Medal Count Reaches 17
Seema Kaliramna's bronze medal pushed India's overall tally to 17 medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026. This addition places India in the 10th position on the tournament's official medal table. Furthermore, within the combined athletics and para-athletics disciplines, Indian competitors have now secured a total of 8 medals, reflecting consistent performance across track and field events.
