Seema Kaliramna's 14-Year Wait Ends in Glasgow 2026: 'I Didn't Think I'd Be Here After Pregnancy'

Glasgow, July 31: Fourteen years after beginning her athletics journey, Seema Kaliramna finally experienced the moment she had dreamt of for over a decade.

The Indian discus thrower clinched the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a best effort of 58.65m, ending India's eight-year wait for a medal in the women's discus throw and becoming the latest name in the country's rich legacy in the event.

For Seema, however, the medal meant far more than a place on the podium. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, a battle against arthritis following pregnancy, and a comeback that even she once thought might never happen.

"After 14 years, this is my first major international medal. I am feeling really good and also very emotional," Seema

told myKhel after the medal ceremony.

'I Never Thought This Day Would Come'

Seema's career came to a standstill after she became a mother. The break from competition was followed by an even bigger challenge when she developed arthritis after pregnancy, leaving her uncertain about whether she would ever return to elite athletics.

Asked if she had imagined standing on a Commonwealth Games podium after everything she had gone through, Seema admitted the thought had never crossed her mind.

"No. I never thought about it at all (winning a medal). After pregnancy, I had arthritis, which caused a lot of complications. But my husband supported me and my family supported me, so today I am standing here with this medal," the 27-year-old, who trains at NS NIS Patiala, said.

The bronze, therefore, was not merely a reward for one evening's performance. It represented years of rehabilitation, perseverance and unwavering belief from those around her.

Learning to Stay Calm

Before Glasgow, Seema's biggest international lesson came at the 2025 Asian Championships, where she narrowly missed a medal. Instead of viewing that disappointment negatively, she used it as a learning experience.

"I learnt a lot from the Asian Championships. I didn't know how to compete in foreign competitions or how to keep myself calm. That experience helped me a lot today. "

The difference was evident in Glasgow. Although she did not produce her personal best, Seema stayed composed throughout a tense final and held on to the bronze despite fouling her final three attempts.

"Today I didn't throw my personal best, but in my mind, I only wanted to perform well. "

The 60-Metre Dream Lives On

Seema's bronze medal may not have come with her biggest throw, but it reinforced her belief that an even better performance is around the corner.

Her personal best stands at 59.73m, and for the past two seasons she has been chasing the elusive 60-metre barrier, a mark that would place her among the world's leading discus throwers.

She believed Glasgow could have been the day. "When I made my first throw, I thought I would produce a very good throw. Unfortunately, the weather conditions were not in our favour. It was much warmer in India, while it was much colder here. "

She credited the Athletics Federation of India for organising an acclimatisation camp before the Games, which helped Indian athletes adjust to the Scottish conditions.

"AFI arranged a special acclimatisation camp before the Games. That helped us adapt to the weather and we still managed to produce a good result. "

While the 60-metre milestone remains unfinished business, Seema insists she no longer measures success purely by distances.

"I don't keep any specific targets. I just want to keep improving my personal best and perform well whenever I compete. "

A Promise Kept

Among the first people Seema thanked after winning the medal was Manisha Malhotra, President of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) under JSW Sports.

She revealed that Malhotra had shown faith in her by ensuring her husband, who is also her coach, could accompany her to the Commonwealth Games.

"I would like to thank Manisha ma'am. She trusted me and agreed to send my husband here. We had told her that if he came with me, we would definitely win a medal. Today, I hope I have fulfilled that promise. "

She also acknowledged the support she has received from the Athletics Federation of India.

"I don't have a government job. I train at the AFI camp, and they support me a lot. "

Husband, Coach, Biggest Support

For Seema, the line between family life and athletics barely exists. Her husband, Ravinder, doubles up as her coach, and discussions about technique continue long after training sessions are over.

"Whether we are on the field or at home, if he feels there is something important to discuss about my technique, we immediately start talking about it. Whether it's training or even food, that's how we work together. There is an understanding between us. "

That partnership played a crucial role in helping Seema return to international competition after pregnancy and eventually stand on the Commonwealth Games podium.

Eyes on the Asian Games 2026

Despite finally winning her first major international medal, Seema insists she is far from satisfied. The Asian Games now become her next major target. The Bhiwani-born athlete qualified to the Asiad at the Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.

Talking about her personal expectations, "I want to produce my personal best at the Asian Games and win a medal there. "

She also looked ahead to the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in India. "I was trying to convert this bronze into silver today. Hopefully, when the Commonwealth Games are held in India, the home conditions will help us, and I can do even better. "

For an athlete who once wondered whether she would ever return after pregnancy, Glasgow has become much more than the site of her first major international medal.

It is proof that resilience can outlast setbacks, and that a 14-year wait can sometimes make a medal even more special.