When discussions turn to Indian women’s discus throw, they almost invariably begin with Seema Punia, the country’s most celebrated thrower and a four-time Commonwealth Games medallist.

But on Thursday, another Seema — bespectacled, unassuming and far less known — stepped into the spotlight.

Seema Kaliramna — a 27-year-old PhD scholar, mother, and an athlete coached by her husband Ravinder Kaliramna — announced herself on the Commonwealth Games stage by winning the bronze medal at the Scotstoun Stadium.

Competing in her maiden Games, Seema produced a best throw of 58.65m to finish third behind Jamaica’s Samantha Hall (61.66m) and Canada’s Julia Tunks (60.67m), who claimed the gold and silver medals, respectively.

Seema started with a foul, threw 57.32, then came with an effort of 58.65m before again fouling her next three attempts.

“I had expected that I would cross 60m and win a medal,” she said. But today it was slightly cold, because of which it was a bit difficult to warm up the body. But this was my first Commonwealth Games... it’s okay, whatever happens, happens for the best. I’m so happy,” said Seema.

Even though she couldn’t achieve her personal best (59.73m), which she achieved in the inter-State meet in Bhubaneswar in June, Seema was proud of her show on the global stage. “I’m feeling really good, and I’m quite emotional as well. I took part in the Asian championships in 2025, and during that time, I didn’t have the experience of international competitions. (Also I didn’t know) how to keep myself calm. I’ve benefited a lot from that meet, and today, I just wanted to do well,” she said.

After giving birth to her son Rudra in August 2021, Seema returned to competition just 11 months later, in July 2022. Her comeback, however, on the National circuit, came after an overall break of nearly three years.

Under the guidance of her Ravinder, Seema steadily rebuilt her career, winning gold (52.70m) at the National Games in Uttarakhand in early 2025 before adding another title at the inter-State meet in Chennai later that year with a throw of 57.18m.

On the difficulties of making a comeback after becoming a mother, Seema elaborated: “After pregnancy, I had arthritis, which caused a lot of complications, but my husband and family supported me, so I’m here today.”

On not being able to touch the 60m mark which has been her target for a while, Seema remarked, “When I got my first throw in the cage, I thought that I would perform really well, but unfortunately, the weather wasn’t in my favour.”

Having overcome numerous challenges in life, a resilient Seema remains unfazed and is now looking ahead to the Asian Games with renewed hope. “I will give my best at the Asian Games and try to win a medal,” she added.