CWG 2026: Sharmila Dhankar Creates History with India’s First-Ever Para Athletics Gold Medal

Glasgow: Indian para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar etched her name into the history books by winning India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in para-athletics after producing a season-best throw of 9.81 metres in the Women's Shot Put F57 event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

A golden chapter for Indian Para Athletics at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. 🇮🇳

Heartiest congratulations to Sharmila Dhankar on creating history by becoming India's first-ever Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in Para Athletics, with a magnificent victory in the Women's… pic.twitter.com/fUdHQvbMnI

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) July 28, 2026

The 40-year-old delivered a commanding performance to comfortably outclass the field and end India's two-decade wait for a medal in Commonwealth Games para-athletics. Ghana's Zinabu Issah settled for the silver medal with a best throw of 8.65 metres.

India's celebrations doubled when Shilpa K. Shyla was awarded the bronze medal after Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi was disqualified following an official review. Shilpa had originally finished fourth with a personal-best effort of 7.26 metres, making it a memorable double-podium finish for the Indian contingent.

The victory marked a remarkable redemption for Sharmila, who narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish in the same event at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Guided by coach Tek Chand, she transformed heartbreak into history with a stunning performance in Glasgow.

Competing in the F57 classification, reserved for seated field athletes with limb deficiencies or impaired muscle power, Sharmila showcased exceptional consistency and determination throughout the competition.

Her inspiring journey extends beyond sport. Hailing from Chhithroli village in Haryana's Rewari district, Sharmila contracted polio at the age of two and later overcame domestic abuse and financial hardships. Her life changed after marrying Ajit Singh, who encouraged her to take up para-athletics in 2020. To support her dream, the family even sold their home in 2023 to fund her training and international competitions.

Starting the sport at the age of 34, Sharmila rapidly rose through the ranks, becoming a national champion in 2021 before achieving Commonwealth Games glory in Glasgow.

Her historic gold medal, coupled with Shilpa K. Shyla's bronze, stands among India's finest moments at the Commonwealth Games 2026, highlighting the power of resilience, perseverance and unwavering family support in achieving sporting greatness.