Soman Rana Makes History with India’s First Commonwealth Games Gold in Men’s Shot Put F57

Glasgow, Aug 2026 : India created history in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Soman Rana won the country’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s Shot Put F57 event, while compatriot Shubham Juyal secured silver to complete a memorable one-two finish on Saturday.

The achievement marked India’s maiden Commonwealth Games gold in the Men’s Shot Put F57 and also produced the country’s first double podium finish in the event.

Soman sealed the title with a winning effort of 13.40m, produced on his second attempt. None of his competitors could better the mark during the remaining rounds, allowing the Indian athlete to secure the top position comfortably.

Cameroon’s Cedric Idriss Lekezo Azamdzi claimed the bronze medal with a best throw of 12.57m.

Soman began the competition strongly, recording 13.38m with his opening attempt before improving to 13.40m in the second round. His third throw was a foul, while his subsequent efforts measured 13.14m, 13.17m and 13.11m. Although he could not improve on his second-round effort, his consistency ensured that the gold remained firmly in his grasp.

Shubham produced an equally impressive performance to secure silver. He opened with 13.08m before recording 12.42m in his second attempt. His third throw travelled 13.27m, followed by efforts of 13.16m and 12.88m.

With the medal positions still within reach, Shubham produced his best effort when it mattered most. His sixth and final throw measured 13.28m, allowing him to overtake his rivals and secure the silver medal behind his compatriot.

For Soman, the historic victory represents another remarkable chapter in a career shaped by adversity and determination. The athlete suffered a career-threatening injury in a mine blast while serving with the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir in 2006.

Following an extended rehabilitation process, Soman turned towards para athletics and gradually established himself as one of India’s leading F57 shot put competitors. A two-time Paralympian, he has previously won medals at the Asian Para Games and World Para Athletics Championships, along with several national-level competitions.

His Commonwealth Games triumph now adds one of the biggest honours of his career and strengthens India’s growing presence in para athletics.

Shubham, meanwhile, completed an extraordinary journey of his own. The Roorkee-born athlete had aspired to become an Army officer before a motorcycle accident in 2022 resulted in the loss of his leg.

During rehabilitation, he discovered para athletics and joined the Army’s Paralympic Sports Node, where he began developing his talent in the F57 category. His performances at the National Para Athletics Championships, Khelo India Para Games and Indian Open Para Athletics competitions helped establish him as a promising para-athlete.

The historic Glasgow double podium not only delivered gold and silver for India but also highlighted the resilience, determination and sporting excellence of two athletes who overcame life-changing challenges to reach the Commonwealth Games podium.