Glasgow 2026 Exclusive: Shubham Juyal Opens Up on Life-Changing Accident, Paralympic Dream After Historic Silver

Indian para-athlete Shubham Juyal experienced a defining moment in his career on Saturday when he secured a silver medal in the men’s F57 shot put at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Sharing the podium with his senior teammate Soman Rana, who won gold, Juyal helped India register a historic one-two finish in the event.

Following the victory, the Army athlete opened up to MyKhel exclusively about the tragic motorcycle accident that derailed his initial military ambitions and ultimately led him to para-sports.

After a 2022 motorcycle accident resulted in a leg amputation and ended his dream of becoming an Army officer, he joined the Army Paralympic Node. He recently won silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

A Dream Cut Short

Hailing from Roorkee, Juyal was determined to become an Army officer like his father. In 2022, he had cleared the written examination for the Army Cadet College (ACC) entry scheme. But just days before his final interview, a severe accident changed the course of his life, resulting in the amputation of his leg.

“Sir, my journey began on July 28, 2022, because I met with an accident on July 28, 2022. And it was very traumatic,” Juyal recalled while speaking to the media in Glasgow. “I was in the Army at that time, and I am still in the Army. But I was preparing for the Army Cadet College (ACC) entry, and just a week before my interview, I had the accident. At that time, it felt like the world had come to an end because I felt very aimless and hopeless.”

While recovering at the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune, Juyal faced a critical choice. Instead of giving up or choosing a standard vocational path, he decided to channel his energy into sports.

“But then, as they say, you have to move on in life because there is no use dwelling on the past,” he explained.

“Some people go into depression, but I decided to focus on my future and the opportunities available to me now. So then, in 2023, I came to the Army Paralympic Node for para-athletics, where I met coach Subedar Major Rakesh Singh Rawat. Under his guidance, I have been continuing my para-athletics journey ever since.”

Rapid Rise and the Los Angeles Target

Training alongside elite athletes at the Army Paralympic Node, Juyal quickly developed into one of India’s brightest prospects in the F57 category. His progress on the domestic circuit was rapid, culminating in his selection for international events.

“In 2025, I competed in my first Nationals, and since then, I have been consistently competing in every event and setting personal bests,” the silver medalist noted. “So I feel it has been a great journey so far, and going forward, the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics is my main target.”

Praise for India’s Sports Revolution

Beyond his personal achievements, Juyal expressed immense optimism regarding the future of Indian sports. He credited the government’s increased financial backing for creating an environment where athletes can thrive globally.

“I feel that it is a revolution, you can call it a sports revolution, because the budget has increased eight-fold this time and around 36,000 crore will be invested in sports,” Juyal stated.

“So I believe that in the next 8 to 10 years, you will definitely see the results, and India will win record-breaking medals. If you look at how many national records are breaking right now, then after this investment and support, I feel that in the next 10-12 years, many more medals will come”both in able-bodied and para sports.”

Juyal’s silver medal at Glasgow adds to an exceptional run for the Indian contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, setting a strong foundation as he prepares for his ultimate goal at the upcoming Paralympics.