Indian para shot putter Soman Rana opened up about his inspiring journey from serving in the Indian Army to winning a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Rana clinched the gold medal in the men’s F57 shot put event with a best throw of 13.40 metres, playing a key role in India’s impressive campaign in para athletics. The 43-year-old athlete said the victory has brought him recognition among sports fans across the country.
“I am very happy that I was able to win the gold medal. Earlier, nobody knew me. I would practise and return straight home. After winning the gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, I have made a place in the hearts of people across the country,” Rana said.
Soman Rana’s Inspiring Journey From Army To Shot Put
Rana’s journey to becoming a para-athlete began after a life-changing incident during his service in the Indian Army. A Subedar with the 11 Gorkha Rifles, he lost his right leg below the knee in 2006 after stepping on an anti-personnel landmine during a mine-clearing and patrolling operation near the Line of Control in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir.
“After getting a prosthetic leg, I joined the Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune. Since I was overweight, I realised I could make better use of my upper body, and that is how I got involved in shot put. My experience in boxing also helped me. That is how my shot put journey began,” Rana explained.
The athlete credited the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the government for their support in helping Indian para-athletes produce a strong showing at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
India’s para-athletes finished the 2026 Commonwealth Games with seven medals — three gold, two silver and two bronze.
‘I Cannot Describe What I Felt’
For Rana, the most emotional moment came after his winning throw when the Indian national anthem was played during the medal ceremony.
“The feeling of winning a gold medal is completely different. When the national anthem was played, I cannot describe in words what I felt. I was extremely happy,” he said.
Meeting Neeraj Chopra Was A Highlight
Rana also highlighted the opportunity for para-athletes to interact with India’s other leading athletes during the Commonwealth Games. Among those meetings, his interaction with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra stood out.
“It was very good for us that all the athletes got an opportunity to meet one another. Meeting Neeraj Chopra was the most special. We spoke a lot. Interacting with the other athletes was also a great experience,” Rana said.
He added that greater interaction between athletes across disciplines could help India emerge as a global sporting hub.
ALSO READ: Exclusive: Anahat Singh Explains Why She Chose Squash Over Bat-Ball In Cricket-Crazy India
Soman Rana’s Big Paralympic Goal
Despite his Commonwealth Games success, Rana has already set his sights on a bigger prize, a Paralympic gold medal.
“There is still no clarity on how many para-athletes will participate in the Asian Games 2026. My goal is to keep improving my performances, but the most important target is to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. This medal has given me recognition in the country, and by winning a Paralympic medal, I want to make India proud on the world stage,” Rana said.