"I have to win two gold medals this time": Para sprinter Gavit eyes double gold at Asian Para Games

# What happened Dilip Mahadu Gavit, who won the men's 100m T47 at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with a Games record of 10.71 seconds, says he will contest both the 100m and 400m at the upcoming Asian Para Games. He set a clear goal: win two gold medals this time, improving on his 2023 Asian Para Games performance where he won one gold.

# Where and when this was announced Gavit made these remarks to ANI on the sidelines of a felicitation event in New Delhi where SBI Life Insurance, in partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), honoured para-athletes who medalled at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

# Why this matters for Gavit and India

# Training and mindset Gavit said his coach is preparing him for both sprint distances. He described the 100m as a short event he particularly enjoys and noted that he watches videos of Usain Bolt for inspiration. He also said he is pleased to be felicitated by SBI Life and to share that platform with fellow para-athletes.

# Teammates and support Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath, another Indian T47 sprinter who won silver in the Glasgow 100m (10.83 seconds), attended the same ceremony. Basil spoke about SBI Life's support for para-sports and said he hopes to improve his timing at his first Asian Games in Japan.

SBI Life Insurance's felicitation covered seven Indian para-athletes who won three gold, two silver and two bronze medals at Glasgow. The event was attended by SBI Life MD and CEO Amit Jhingran and PCI president Devendra Jhajharia. Other medallists felicitated included Sharmila Dhankar, Soman Rana, Shubham Juyal, Shilpa Shyla and Jhandu Kumar.

# What to watch at the Asian Para Games

• Gavit's schedule: how he balances rounds and recovery across the 100m and 400m.
• Whether Gavit can match or better his Glasgow 100m form while adding a 400m title.
• Basil's performance in his first Asian Games and any timing improvements.

# Bottom line