Sports News Today, July 29: Sharmila Dhankar’s Historic Gold, Sarvesh Kushare’s Silver, India Name Test Squad

India enjoyed another medal-filled day at the Commonwealth Games, highlighted by historic achievements in para athletics, high jump and weightlifting. Away from Glasgow, Indian shooting continued its impressive form on the ISSF World Cup circuit, while cricket remained in focus with squad announcements, selection debates and an engrossing Test between West Indies and Pakistan.

1. Sharmila Dhankar wins historic para athletics gold as India secure double podium

India scripted history in para athletics as Sharmila Dhankar won gold in the women’s F57 shot put while Shilpa Shyla claimed bronze, marking the country’s first-ever double podium in a para athletics event at the Commonwealth Games.

Dhankar produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to end India’s 20-year wait for a Commonwealth Games para athletics medal. The victory also made her India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics and the first Indian woman to win a medal in the discipline at the Games. Shilpa celebrated a personal best throw of 7.26 metres to secure bronze and complete a memorable outing for India.

2. Sarvesh Kushare creates history with high jump silver

National record holder Sarvesh Kushare became the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men’s high jump after securing silver in Glasgow.

Kushare cleared 2.25 metres to finish behind Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford and added another landmark achievement for Indian athletics at the Games. The medal is India’s best-ever result in the men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games.

3. Ajaya Babu claims silver after record-breaking duel

Weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu continued India’s impressive campaign by winning silver in the men’s 79kg category after an intense battle with Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad.

The 21-year-old set a Commonwealth Games snatch record with 149kg before finishing with a total lift of 330kg. Hidayat edged him to gold by just one kilogram after breaking the Games record with his final clean and jerk attempt, leaving Ajaya with India’s sixth weightlifting medal of the competition.

4. India announce Test squad for Sri Lanka tour

The BCCI has announced India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with Shubman Gill leading the side and KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah headline the squad, although Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan remain subject to fitness clearance. India will also play a four-day practice match in Colombo before the series begins, while Washington Sundar was unavailable for selection for the opening Test.

5. Kohli and Rohit backed despite World Cup speculation

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes there is no need for discussions over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s places in India’s ODI side despite growing debate ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Dasgupta acknowledged that both veterans must start series strongly rather than playing themselves into form but insisted their places should continue to be judged on performances, just as they have been throughout their careers. He also argued that the scrutiny surrounding the pair has increased because they now play only ODI cricket.

6. Greaves’ five-for keeps West Indies in control despite Pakistan response

Justin Greaves produced another outstanding spell before Pakistan’s fast bowlers hit back on a dramatic third day of the opening Test in Tarouba.

Greaves claimed 5 for 27 as Pakistan were bowled out for 282 despite Shan Masood’s century. Pakistan responded superbly with the ball as Mohammad Abbas led a fierce pace attack that reduced West Indies to 126 for 7 by stumps, although the hosts still carried a lead of 155 runs heading into the fourth day.

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### 7. Gurindervir Singh misses Commonwealth Games semifinals

India’s national record holder Gurindervir Singh was eliminated in the heats of the men’s 100 metres despite finishing second in his race.

The sprinter clocked 10.39 seconds, leaving him 28th overall across all heats. With only the 17 fastest athletes progressing after accounting for automatic byes, Gurindervir narrowly missed qualification despite entering the Games as one of India’s leading medal hopes following his national record of 10.09 seconds earlier this year.

8. Manjot Kalra denied bail in Lanka Premier League fixing case

Former India Under-19 World Cup hero Manjot Kalra will remain in custody after a Colombo court rejected his bail application in connection with an alleged Lanka Premier League match-fixing investigation.

Kalra, now associated with the Jaffna Kings franchise, was denied release after prosecutors argued investigations were still ongoing. Sri Lankan authorities say five players are now linked to the corruption probe, while the defence continues to deny any wrongdoing.

9. Esha Singh wins ISSF World Cup gold as Manu Bhaker takes bronze

India celebrated a double podium at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou as Esha Singh won gold and Manu Bhaker secured bronze in the women’s 25m pistol event.

Esha delivered a composed performance to finish with 40 hits in the final after qualifying second, while Manu fought through a tense shoot-off before claiming bronze. The result continued India’s excellent run in international shooting ahead of the World Championships and Asian Games.