CWG 2026: Shilpa K. Shyla Clinches Bronze in Women's Shot Put F57 After Successful Protest

Indian para-athlete Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla secured a memorable bronze medal in the Women's Shot Put F57 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a successful protest by the Indian contingent altered the final standings.
The dramatic result also handed India its first-ever double podium finish in para-athletics at the Glasgow Games, with Sharmila Dhankar producing a season-best throw of 9.81m to win the gold medal. Ghana's Zinabu Issah claimed silver with an effort of 8.65m.
Dramatic Finish After Official Review
Shilpa appeared to have narrowly missed out on a medal after recording a personal-best throw of 7.26m on her final attempt, initially finishing fourth. Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi, the defending Commonwealth champion and Paralympic medallist, was originally awarded bronze thanks to a throw of 8.19m.
However, India lodged a formal protest over the validity of Iyiazi's attempt. Following an official review, event officials ruled the throw a foul. As the Nigerian athlete had no other valid attempts, Shilpa was elevated to the bronze medal position, sealing her maiden Commonwealth Games medal.
Emotional Maiden Commonwealth Medal
Speaking after the medal ceremony, the 37-year-old Karnataka athlete described the achievement as the proudest moment of her sporting career.
"This was my first time attending the Games, and I am very happy. I cannot even describe how I feel," Shilpa said.
She thanked her coaches Eshan S.D., Raghavendra, Satyapal and Pushpa, along with the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Indian para-athletics head coach K.R. Satyanarayana praised Shilpa's commitment, noting that both Shilpa and gold medallist Sharmila Dhankar trained together at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru.
A Story of Determination
Hailing from Kanchigara Koppalu village in Mysuru district, Karnataka, Shilpa's journey is one of remarkable resilience. She lost her left leg in a road accident at the age of four but refused to let adversity define her future.
After completing her postgraduate studies and earning a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), she pursued para-athletics and steadily rose through the national ranks before achieving Commonwealth Games success in Glasgow.
India's Medal Tally Reaches Double Digits
Shilpa's bronze, coupled with Sharmila Dhankar's historic gold, took India's medal tally to 10 medals (2 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze) at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, highlighting the nation's growing strength in para-athletics and reinforcing its emergence as a major force in international disability sport.