Dilip Gavit: The One-Armed Sprinter Making History at CWG 2026

Dilip Gavit delivered an unforgettable performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026, where he secured India’s third gold medal in a remarkable display at the men’s 100m T47 event. Competing under challenging conditions on a rain-drenched track, the 22-year-old athlete from rural Maharashtra showcased his exceptional talent, particularly in the final stretch of the race, where he outpaced his rivals to clinch the prestigious gold medal. Gavit finished with a remarkable time of 10.71 seconds, setting a new Games Record and achieving his season's best. The excitement for India was further amplified as fellow athlete Mohammed Basil earned a silver medal with a time of 10.83 seconds, marking a significant achievement for the nation in para-athletics.

This gold medal is a testament to Gavit's relentless dedication and perseverance, as he has become the first Indian male athlete to win a gold medal in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games. His journey to this momentous achievement has been significantly influenced by his coach, Vaijanth Dayanand Kale, who discovered Gavit's potential during a local school competition. Under Kale's guidance, Gavit transformed from a budding athlete into a formidable competitor on the international stage. In a reflective moment after his victory, Gavit shared, "The start was a bit slow. Later, I picked up speed. I’ll do even better next time. I had to run the 100-meter dash. Usually, I run the 400 meters; that’s my main event. But here, I ran the 100 meters, and I really enjoyed the race."