Sharmila Dhankar Wins India's First Para Athletics CWG Gold Medal

Indian para shot-putter Sharmila Dhankar scripted history, becoming the country's first-ever para-athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. The 40-year-old clinched the women’s Shot Put F57 title at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a season-best throw of 9.81 metres, ending India’s 20-year wait for a para athletics medal at the prestigious multi-sport event.

The historic triumph marked a defining moment for Indian para sports, with Dhankar producing her best performance of the season on one of the biggest international stages. Her achievement also highlighted the growing strength of India’s para athletics contingent at the Commonwealth Games.

India had another reason to celebrate in the same event as Shilpa K. Shyla secured the bronze medal following a dramatic review of the final results. Initially placed fourth with a personal-best throw of 7.26 metres, Shyla was upgraded to third after Indian officials successfully protested the outcome. Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi, who was originally awarded bronze, was later ruled to have fouled her only valid attempt following an official review, paving the way for Shyla’s promotion. Reports indicate that Nigeria may file a counter-protest over the decision.

The emotional scenes after the event saw Dhankar and Shyla celebrating together, giving India two medals in the women’s Shot Put F57 competition.

Historic Gold Ends Two-Decade Wait

The F57 classification is designated for athletes with lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies, or reduced muscle power. Sharmila Dhankar’s gold medal not only secured a place in the record books but also marked India’s first para athletics gold and first para athletics medal at the Commonwealth Games in two decades.

Her victory carries immense significance for Indian para sports, demonstrating the country's steady rise in international competitions. Delivering a season-best throw under pressure, Sharmila Dhankar outperformed a strong field to claim the historic title and inspire aspiring para athletes across the nation.

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From Personal Struggles to Commonwealth Glory

Born in Chhithroli village in Haryana, Sharmila contracted polio at the age of two, leaving her with an impairment in her left leg. Her journey to the top of world sport was far from easy. She endured personal hardships, including an abusive first marriage, before rebuilding her life with the support of her family.

According to the Sports Authority of India, Sharmila Dhankar found renewed confidence after marrying businessman Ajit Singh from Rewari. Encouraged by her husband, she took up para athletics in 2020 under the guidance of coach Tek Chand.

Her rise was swift. Within a year of entering the sport, she won the National Championship and established herself among India's leading F57 athletes in both shot put and discus. Earlier this year, she claimed gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship, further cementing her credentials. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, she narrowly missed a medal after finishing fourth, making her Glasgow triumph even more special.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sharmila Dhankar on her historic achievement, calling it a proud moment for the nation. He praised her season-best performance and noted that it had ended India's two-decade wait for a Commonwealth Games para athletics gold.

Sharmila Dhankar’s remarkable comeback story and record-breaking victory are expected to inspire a new generation of para athletes while reinforcing India’s growing stature in international para sports. Her Commonwealth Games gold stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, determination, and sporting excellence.