Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist Shubham Juyal Reveals How MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli Inspired His Success

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-09-09 12:13:00

Indian para-athlete and Lance Naik Shubham Juyal, who recently captured the hearts of the nation by winning a silver medal in the F57 category of shot put at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has opened up about the deep inspiration he draws from cricketing legends MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Returning to a rousing hero's welcome in his hometown of Roorkee after being felicitated by SBI Life Insurance, the 30-year-old athlete shared how observing the contrasting temperaments of Indian cricket's iconic captains helped shape his own competitive mindset on the global sporting stage.

Blending 'Fire and Ice': Learning Composure and Aggression from Cricket Icons

Growing up idolizing master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, Juyal meticulously observed the leadership dynamics of Dhoni and Kohli, describing their partnership as a masterclass in balancing "fire and ice." In an exclusive interview, the para shot put champion explained how he integrated their distinct philosophies into his athletic training. From MS Dhoni, he learned the vital art of maintaining absolute calm and emotional composure during high-pressure situations when outcomes are beyond immediate control. Meanwhile, from Virat Kohli, Juyal absorbed the relentless drive to dominate opponents through fierce competitive aggression and an unshakable winning mentality. Although he has not yet met the two legends, Juyal expressed a strong desire to converse with them about their psychological approach to elite sports.

Overcoming Adversity: How a Devastating Motorcycle Accident Forged a Champion

Juyal’s remarkable journey to an international podium is a testament to extraordinary resilience and unbreakable human spirit. Four years ago, a severe motorcycle accident upended his life, resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee and appearing to shatter his lifelong dream of serving as an Indian Army officer. Refusing to surrender to circumstance, Juyal rewrote his destiny by channeling his grit into athletics, completing specialized shot put training at the prestigious Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune. Representing the Indian Army with immense pride, his inspiring turnaround from personal tragedy to national glory serves as a beacon of hope for millions.

Setting Sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics Gold

Having etched his name in history with a stellar performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Juyal is already looking ahead to his next major milestone. With aspirations extending far beyond his recent success, his ultimate objective is to secure the gold medal at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Expressing hope that non-cricket sports will continue to gain wider recognition and love across the country, Juyal remains committed to rigorous preparation, aiming to dominate upcoming international competitions and fly the Indian tricolor high on the global stage.

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