Glasgow 2026: Dilip Gavit Creates History With Para Athletics Gold as India Secures Historic 1-2 Finish in Men's 100m T47

Glasgow, July 29: Indian para athletics enjoyed another landmark moment at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Wednesday (July 29) as Dilip Mahadu Gavit stormed to a historic gold medal in the men's 100m T47 event, leading an unprecedented Indian one-two finish alongside compatriot Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath, who clinched silver.

Gavit clocked a Games Record and Season Best of 10.71 seconds, while Basil crossed the finish line in 10.83 seconds (Season Best) to seal India's second podium spot in the event.

The result marked India's third gold medal of the Glasgow Games after Mirabai Chanu's triumph in women's 48kg weightlifting and Sharmila Dhankar's historic gold in the women's Shot Put F57. More significantly, it was the first time India had secured a one-two finish in a para athletics track event at the Commonwealth Games.

The twin medals also took India's overall tally to 15 medals (3 Gold, 9 Silver and 3 Bronze), with the country holding eighth place in the medal standings.

Gavit Scripts History

The 23-year-old from Toran Dongari village near Nashik (Maharashtra) became the first Indian male athlete to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in para athletics.

Only a day earlier, Sharmila Dhankar had become India's first-ever para athletics gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games. Gavit's victory now makes him only the second Indian para athlete overall to achieve the feat and the first Indian man to do so.

His winning time of 10.71 seconds not only secured gold but also established a new Commonwealth Games record.

From a Farming Village to Commonwealth Champion

Gavit's rise is among Indian sport's most inspiring stories. Born into a humble farming family in Maharashtra, tragedy struck when he was just five years old. A fall from a mango tree severely injured his right arm. Delayed medical treatment resulted in gangrene, forcing doctors to amputate his arm below the elbow.

Rather than allowing the setback to define him, Gavit found his calling in athletics. Initially playing Kho-Kho in his village, his sprinting ability was spotted by coach Vaijnath Kale, who brought him under his wing.

Speaking to SAI before the Commonwealth Games, Gavit credited his coach for transforming his life. "I came from a very small village. I used to play Kho-Kho before my coach Vaijnath Kale noticed me. He took me into his home, looked after me, provided food, shoes and everything I needed. Whatever I am today is because of him."

His journey since has been remarkable. He won the 400m T47 gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games, delivering India's landmark 100th medal at Hangzhou, reached the 400m T47 final at the Paris Paralympics, and has steadily established himself among the world's leading para sprinters.

A Promise Kept

Ahead of Glasgow, Gavit had confidently predicted that he would return with a gold medal.

Asked about his preparations, he had said, "Everything is available here for us - training, food, recovery and scientific support. We are preparing well for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, and we will definitely bring back a medal."

He has now done exactly that.

Under TOPS and the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC), Gavit has received extensive financial and coaching support, including funding for multiple international competitions and dedicated coaching assistance.

Basil Announces Himself

While Gavit celebrated gold, 21-year-old Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath enjoyed the biggest success of his young career.

The Kerala sprinter produced a season-best 10.83 seconds to claim silver and complete India's memorable one-two finish.

Born with a congenital upper-limb deficiency, Basil trains at LNCPE-SAI Thiruvananthapuram under coach Seenivasan.

The youngster from Malappuram has rapidly emerged as one of India's brightest para sprint prospects, winning multiple national titles before earning his place in the Commonwealth Games squad. His silver medal underlined India's growing depth in para sprinting.