Glasgow, July 2026 : India produced a spectacular finish in the para athletics competition at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as sprinter Dilip Mahadu Gavit won the gold medal in the men’s 100m T47 event with a new Games Record, while compatriot Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi secured silver to complete a historic Indian one-two.
Gavit delivered a sensational performance on the Glasgow track, clocking 10.71 seconds to break the previous Games record and comfortably claim the top spot on the podium. Basil followed with an impressive season-best timing of 10.83 seconds, ensuring that India dominated the podium in one of the most closely contested sprint events of the competition.
England’s Kevin Santos took the bronze medal after finishing in 10.85 seconds, narrowly ahead of Australia’s Jaydon Page, who clocked 10.97 seconds to finish fourth.
The one-two finish marked another significant achievement for India’s para-athletics contingent and further highlighted the country’s growing strength in sprinting events. While Gavit’s record-breaking performance underlined his outstanding form, Basil’s season-best effort added another important medal to India’s campaign.
With the two medals from the men’s 100m T47, India’s overall medal tally rose to 15, comprising three gold, nine silver and three bronze medals. Gavit’s gold was India’s third gold of the Games, joining weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and Sharmila, who won gold in the women’s Shot Put F57 event.
For Gavit, the victory was particularly special given the remarkable journey that brought him to the international stage. Born in Toran Dongari village near Nashik in Maharashtra, he grew up in a modest farming family. At around five or six years of age, he suffered a serious injury to his right arm after falling from a tree. The absence of timely medical treatment resulted in gangrene, eventually leading to the amputation of his arm below the elbow.
Despite the life-changing setback, Gavit refused to allow his disability to stand in the way of his ambitions. He developed a passion for running and began training on the dusty roads around his village. His talent was eventually noticed by coach Vaijnath Kale, who helped guide him into competitive para athletics and provided the training necessary to pursue a professional career.
Gavit’s rise continued on the international stage. At the 2022 Asian Para Games, he won gold in the men’s 400m T47 event, helping India secure its historic 100th medal at the Games. His performances also earned him a place in the final of the men’s 400m T47 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, further establishing him as one of India’s leading para-athletes.
His latest triumph in Glasgow adds another major chapter to his inspirational sporting journey. The Games-record performance, combined with Basil’s silver, not only strengthened India’s medal tally but also demonstrated the depth of talent within the country’s para-athletics programme.
The historic Indian one-two in the 100m T47 is expected to provide further momentum to the contingent as the Commonwealth Games 2026 progresses, while Gavit’s extraordinary journey from a small village in Maharashtra to the top of the Commonwealth podium stands as a powerful example of determination, resilience and sporting excellence.
Team Maverick
