CWG 2026: Seema claims discus bronze as Toor, Parul miss podium
Glasgow, July 31: A medal rescued what was otherwise a frustrating night for India's athletics contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
Discus thrower Seema Kaliramna held her nerve to secure the bronze medal in the women's event, while fancied contenders Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Parul Chaudhary fell short of the podium in their respective competitions.
Seema produced a best throw of 58.65m to finish third after an event marked by inconsistency.
She managed only two valid attempts from six rounds, with four throws ending in fouls after the discus repeatedly caught the side netting.
Following an opening foul, she registered efforts of 57.32m and 58.65m, which ultimately proved enough to earn India a place on the podium despite three successive foul throws to close the competition.
India narrowly missed a second medal in the event as Nidhi Rani finished fourth with a throw of 57.10m.
Jamaica's Samantha Hall scripted history by clinching her country's first-ever Commonwealth Games women's discus gold, while Canada's Julia Tunks claimed silver with 60.67m.
India's hopes in the men's shot put also ended in disappointment as two-time Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor finished fifth.
The 31-year-old recorded a best effort of 20.27m in his third attempt but could not improve further despite three remaining throws.
His series included efforts of 20.06m, 19.98m, 20.27m, 19.93m, 20.26m, and 19.79m, well below his personal best of 21.77m.
Nigeria's Chukwuebuka Enekwechi won the gold medal with a throw of 21.07m, while New Zealand's Tom Walsh and England's Scott Lincoln secured silver and bronze respectively.
In the women's 5000m, Asian Games gold medallist Parul Chaudhary was unable to challenge the leaders and finished 13th in 15:08.56. Australia's Rose Davies took gold in 14:44.53, edging compatriot Jessica Hull (14:45.01), while Scotland's Megan Keith claimed bronze in 14:49.10. All three medallists registered season-best timings.
Elsewhere, Canada's Sheriauna Haas stormed to victory in the women's 100m T47, leading home compatriot Chloe Dunbar, with New Zealand's Anna Grimaldi settling for bronze.