Top five dominant performances by Indian athletes at Commonwealth Games

These athletes helped the country finish fourth in the medals tally.

The Indian contingent impressed in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, finishing fourth on the medals tally behind Australia, England, and Canada. A total of 61 medals: 22 golds, 16 silvers and 23 bronze medals across 12 different disciplines provided several moments to cherish and cheer about.

Shortcomings in past events were quickly put to bed by their dominating displays. These five athletes showed that they have a firm grasp over the rest in their respective categories, writing another successful chapter in their rich legacies. Such displays fill our hearts with hope for success in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Here are the top five dominating performances from the quadrennial event:

5. Achanta Sharath Kamal

The 40-year-old veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal turned back the clock to pick up gold in the men’s singles event, beating World number 20 Liam Pitchford 4-1 in the finals. Sharath had already won two CWG 2022 golds in the team and mixed doubles events, but the singles glory had eluded him for 16 long years. His tally across his five CWG appearances now reaches 13 medals. He extracted revenge for his men’s doubles finals defeat against England’s pairing of Drinkhall and Pitchford, in which Sathiyan and Sharath went down fighting. Ranked 39th in the world Sharath Kamal proved that age is just a number and ended the Birmingham games with four medals: three golds and a silver.

4. Nikhat Zareen

Nikhat Zareen won the third gold medal for India at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the 48-50kg Lightweight event. She defeated all her opponents through unanimous decisions. In the final bout against England Carly Mc Naul claiming the gold with 27 - 30 from all judges. The defending gold medal winner at the World Championships.

She became the sixth woman to win the gold medal at the World Championships joining Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny R L, and Lekha KC. She was at her imperious best, easing past her opponents throughout the games with an identical 10-9 score line each round. Zareen’s controlled aggression and footwork are hallmarks of her boxing expertise that will hold her in good stead for many more years. She won every bout by unanimous decision and put on a commanding show every time she stepped into the ring. 

3.  Bajrang Punia

Bajrang Punia defended his gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the 65kg weight category. This becomes Punia's third consecutive medal at the Commonwealth Games. In his quarterfinal game against Jean Guyilane from Mauritania, Punia defeated him just one minute into the game by fall. Punia also gave India its first gold medal in wrestling followed by Deepak Punia and Sakshi Malik.

2. Mirabai Chanu

In Birmingham, Mirabai was Mirabai’s biggest combination. She was in the class of the field in the 49 kgs weightlifting. She shattered four records and lifted 201 kgs (88 in snatch and 113 in clean & jerk), which was 29 kgs more than the silver medallist Marie Ranaivosoa.

1. PV Sindhu

The Commonwealth Games gold was the only thing missing from Sindhu’s collection, after bronze in Glasgow and silver in the Gold Coast. It took years of sacrifices and hard work to bag top honours. The 27-year-old was the toast of the NEC arena’s packed crowd clad in blue, who roared her on with every point. The decibel levels were higher during her gold medal decider against Michelle Li, which she dominated 21-15 21-13. Sindhu’s rhythm was fluent throughout, showcasing why the double Olympic medallist is a cut above the rest.