27 Aug
India's CWG final tally includes 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze medals
In Birmingham, the 2022 Commonwealth Games successfully concluded. High-profile athletes from many nations have been competing in the multi-sport event over the past several days with the sole objective of winning the most medals. India sent a 210-person team to the competition, and they delighted the home crowd with 61 medals.
In all, 61 medals were won by the Indian team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. There were 61 medals total, of which 22 were gold, 16 silver, and 23 bronze. Overall, the Indian athletes' effort was highly successful, and they should be proud of it.
India’s Golden Stars
22 gold medals were earned by Indian competitors at the multisport competition. While several were unexpected winners, a few people were expected to return home with gold around their necks. In badminton singles, P.V. Sindhu and Lakshya Sen were unstoppable en route to gold. Mirabai Chanu excelled at weightlifting on a level all her own.
After taking home several medals from the competition, Sharath Kamal proved that age is just a number. In order to maintain his position as a champion and an inspiration, he won three golds and a silver.
Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Kumar, Sakshi Malik, Naveen, Deepak Punia, and Bajrang Punia all won gold in wrestling, demonstrating the sport's complete supremacy. In fact, every wrestler who competed for India has returned with a medal. The women's team's historic first-ever gold medal in Lawn Bowls for India captured millions of hearts at home.
Amit Panghal, Nitu Ghanghas, and Nikhat Zareen, who all won gold in their respective weight classes, dominated the sport of boxing. One of the proudest moments for the nation at the games was when Eldhose Paul won gold in the men's triple jump.
Iconic Moments
Some athletes exceeded expectations and stunned the audience and possibly even themselves with their performances. In the men's 3000m steeplechase, Avinash Sable set a new national record and ran his personal best to end Kenya's dominance.
For his efforts, he received a coveted silver medal. Sharath Kamal represented India most successfully, winning four medals in table tennis across several categories.
There were two Indians on the podium on three different occasions. First, in the men's triple jump competition, Eldhose Paul won gold and Abdulla Aboobacker won silver. Then, in men's singles table tennis, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran took home bronze, while Sharath Kamal won gold. Lakshya Sen won gold in badminton, and Kidambi Srikanth took home bronze in the men's singles competition.
The Firsts
Many Indian sportsmen made history by being the first people to win in a variety of sports. In lawn bowls, the Indian women's team won the first-ever gold medal. In the men's doubles competition at the Commonwealth Games, India was successful thanks to Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. For India, Sharath Kamal and Sreeja Akula won the country's first-ever gold medal in the mixed doubles division of table tennis.
By winning the bronze medal in the singles squash competition, Saurav Ghoshal gave India its first-ever medal. Tejaswin Shankar's bronze medal at a CWG was the nation's first-ever high-jump medal. India's first-ever gold in the men's triple jump competition was won by Eldhose Paul.
In the men's long jump, Murali Sreeshankar became the first Indian to take home a silver medal. Annu Rani created history by becoming the first female javelin thrower from India to receive a medal at the Commonwealth Games, a bronze.
Compared to 2018 CWG
On contrast, a few Indian athletes improved their overall performance in the 2018 competition, which was held in Australia's Gold Coast. India came close to duplicating the 26 gold medals they earned in 2018, despite the shooting, which produced seven gold medals four years ago. Six gold medals were won by Indian wrestlers, up from five the previous time.
While P.V. Sindhu had to settle for silver in 2018, she went one step further and won gold. India won three gold medals in table tennis on the Gold Coast, but this time they'll bring home four. Hockey and lawn bowls medals were not won in 2018, but India has returned from Birmingham with medals in both sports.
Clearly, the Indian contingent made improvements throughout the board. If the shooting had been included at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, India's medal total might have eclipsed the amount from 2018.
GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA
Editor
World Music Day Celebrating Indias Enduring Sonic Heritage and Its ...
World Music Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, isn't just about listening to tunes, it's a magnificent opportunity to immerse ourselves in the soul-stirring depths of India's profound sonic heritage. This isn't just a day for melodies, it's a global stage to truly appreciate a legacy that has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. From the ancient, resonant echoes of Vedic chants that predate recorded history, to the intricate, emotive landscapes of classical ragas like Hindustani and Carnatic, India's musical journey is a testament to its rich cultural revolution. Imagine the centuries of devotion and discipline poured into perfecting each note, each nuanced phrase, designed not just to entertain but to evoke specific emotions and connect with the divine. The very fabric of Indian classical music has been woven by titans whose names resonate through time. Think of the sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, who brought Indian classical music to the global stage through his iconic collaborations with Western artists like George Harrison. Or the captivating voice of Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi, whose devotion to Carnatic music touched millions. In Hindustani classical, the powerful and soulful renditions of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Khayal) and the unparalleled mastery of the shehnai by Ustad Bismillah Khan continue to inspire awe. And who can forget the rhythmic genius of tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, who has pushed the boundaries of percussion across genres. Beyond the classical and folk traditions, towering figures have shaped the modern musical landscape. Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Nobel laureate and a true polymath, made an unparalleled contribution through Rabindra Sangeet. He composed over 2,000 songs, blending elements of Hindustani classical, folk melodies, and Western influences, often setting them to his own poetry. Rabindranath Tagore's music is not merely an accompaniment to his words, it's an integral part of his philosophy, expressing a vast range of human emotions, spiritual insights, and love for nature and country. His compositions are a distinct and beloved genre, deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche of Bengal and beyond. But India's musical story isn't confined to grand concert halls. It thrives in the vibrant rhythms of its diverse folk music, echoing across sun-drenched fields, bustling village squares, and festive celebrations. Each region, each community, boasts its own unique musical dialect – from the spirited bhangra of Punjab to the soulful baul songs of Bengal, and the captivating Lavani of Maharashtra. These are the sounds of daily life, of stories passed down through generations, of shared joy and collective spirit. Legendary folk artists like Bhupen Hazarika from Assam, whose poignant songs spoke of humanity and social justice, or the mesmerizing voices of the Nooran Sisters in Sufi music, have ensured these traditions continue to flourish. India's sonic landscape is constantly evolving, embracing innovative fusions of contemporary genres. Modern Indian artists, championed by trailblazers like the Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, are fearlessly blending traditional instruments and melodies with Western influences, creating sounds that are both rooted in heritage and refreshingly new. The golden voices of playback singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi have defined generations of Bollywood music. In current scenario Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Arijit Singh and so many singers showcasing the versatility and emotional depth of Indian vocal artistry. On this World Music Day, let's not just passively listen, but actively recognize and appreciate the intricate melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and the undeniable spiritual depth embedded within Indian music. It's a reminder of its enduring influence, not just on India's own vibrant culture, but on the wider world, inspiring musicians and enchanting audiences across continents.
Tonumoy Bhattacharya
