Sharmila Dhankar brought an end to the long wait for India to create a historical moment in para athletics with her historic feat of becoming the first Commonwealth Games para-athletics gold medallist from India in Glasgow. Almost two decades had elapsed since the last time that India saw a medal in para athletics in the Commonwealth Games, but Sharmila Dhankar made sure that the long wait was over. By winning gold in the women’s shot put F57 final, she wrote yet another episode in the sports history of India while underlining the growing prowess of the Indian para-athletes.

The 40-year-old won the championship with a season-best throw of 9.81 meters in the women’s shot put F57 category. Her performance earned her not only the title of India’s first Commonwealth Games para-athletics champion, but also the first para-athletics medal for an Indian woman in the Commonwealth Games.

Sharmila Dhankar's Inspiring Journey Led to Historic Commonwealth Games 2026 Gold

Sharmila’s incredible journey started in the small village of Chhithroli, nestled in Haryana’s Rewari district. At just two years old, she contracted polio in her left leg after battling a severe fever. Life threw her another curveball with an early marriage that was marred by domestic violence, but with her family’s support, she managed to rebuild her life. Today, she resides in Rewari with her husband, Ajit Singh, and their two children.

A significant turning point came in 2020 when Ajit encouraged her to dive into para athletics. Under the guidance of coach Tek Chand, she made remarkable strides. In less than a year, she became a national champion and quickly established herself as one of India’s top F57 athletes in both shot put and discus. Earlier this year, she snagged gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship, and her winning streak continued in Glasgow, where she achieved the biggest victory of her career.

The final also brought another unforgettable moment for India. Shilpa seemed to have just missed out on a medal, despite achieving a personal-best throw of 7.26m. However, after a review, officials declared Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi’s bronze-medal mark a no-mark, which bumped Shilpa up to bronze. What started as disappointment turned into a joyous celebration.

This emotional twist marked India’s first-ever double podium finish in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games. Shilpa shared a heartfelt embrace with an emotional Sharmila after the results were revised, while the Indian team celebrated the remarkable achievement of winning two medals in the same event.