Sharmila Dhankar wins India's first-ever gold medal in para-athletics at Commonwealth Games
(Courtesy :Â @VPIndia/Twitter)
Sharmila Dhankar also ended India’s 20-year-long wait for a para-athletics medal in CWG
After twenty long years, India finally have won a Para Athletics medal at the Commonwealth Games, and it is Sharmila Dhankar, who has ended the country’s losing streak in the most emphatic way possible—by clinching the gold in the women’s shot put F57 final with a season-best throw of 9.81 m.
Once Dhankar found her groove, she dominated the proceedings. The 39-year-old from Rewari opened with a strong 9.48m, then pushed further to 9.81m on her next attempt, a mark that nobody else in the field could get close to for the rest of the competition.
It capped off a night that made her the first Indian woman to win a Para Athletics medal at the 2026 Glasgow Games. Sharmila’s road to this historic day hasn’t been easy. She only picked up para athletics in 2020, training under coach Tek Chand, and it didn’t take long for the results to follow, as a national title arrived within a year.
Since then, she’s steadily built herself up to become India’s No. 1-ranked athlete in the event, picking up gold at the Indian Open, national titles, and international wins in Dubai and Australia this year alone.
Related: Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s medal tally after Day 4, 27th July
Having finished in an agonising fourth place in Birmingham 2022, this victory must taste even sweeter.
Dhankar’s compatriot in the final, Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla, couldn’t quite find the same rhythm, finishing fourth despite a personal best throw of 7.26m.
However, Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi, who initially came third, lost her medal as her throw was declared a foul. As a result, Shyla moved to the third position and bagged a bronze medal.
Women’s shot put F57 final standings
- Gold: Sharmila Dhankar (India)
- Silver: Zinabu Issah (Ghana)
- Bronze: Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla (India)
What was Sharmila Dhankar’s winning throw distance?
She won the event with a season-best throw of 9.81m, which she set on her second attempt after an initial throw of 9.48 m.
How did Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla perform at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Shilpa initially finished fourth with a personal-best throw of 7.26m. However, she was awarded the bronze medal after Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi, who initially placed third, had her medal effort declared a foul
What is the F57 classification in para-athletics?
The F57 classification is for seated athletes competing with lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies, or reduced muscle power.
What medal did Sharmila Dhankar win in the women’s shot put F57 final?
Sharmila clinched gold in the event, with a best attempt of 9.81m.
Why is Sharmila Dhankar’s gold medal in women’s shot put F57 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games so significant?
Sharmila Dhankar’s medal is very significant since it is India’s first-ever gold medal in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games. It is also India’s first medal in para-athletics after 20 years. She also becomes the first Indian female medallist in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games.
How many medals has India won so far after Day 4 (July 27) at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
India have so far clinched 10 medals, including 2 golds, 5 silvers and 3 bronzes.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.