Sharmila Dhankar Celebrates Historic Gold at Commonwealth Games 2026

Sharmila Dhankar's Triumph at Commonwealth Games

Sharmila Dhankar, who secured a gold medal in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games 2026, expressed her immense pride in this significant achievement. She highlighted the vital role of government support in motivating athletes and expressed her ambition to continue representing India. Dhankar's immediate goal is to clinch gold at the upcoming Asian Games, set to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026. In the women's F57 shot put final, she achieved a season-best throw of 9.81 meters, comfortably outpacing Ghana's Zinabu Issah, who earned silver with a throw of 8.65 meters. Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi took home the bronze with a throw of 8.19 meters, while fellow Indian athlete Shilpa finished just shy of the podium in fourth place.

'A Historic Achievement': Dhankar's Reflections

"Winning this gold medal fills me with pride and joy. It marks a historic milestone for me. The government's recognition and support for athletes is truly encouraging, motivating us to strive harder. My aspiration is to represent India for many years ahead. This is my inaugural Commonwealth Games gold, but I am already setting my sights on the Asian Games in Japan this October, where I aim to secure another gold. Ultimately, my dream is to have a long and successful career in the Paralympics, bringing honor to my country," Dhankar shared.

Government Honors Athletes

On Tuesday, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, honored Indian athletes returning from the Commonwealth Games 2026, who showcased remarkable performances in boxing, judo, and para-athletics. The medalists received cash awards of ₹30 lakh for gold, ₹20 lakh for silver, and ₹10 lakh for bronze.

Praise for Timely Recognition

Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), commended the warm reception given to the athletes and appreciated Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for recognizing their achievements. Reflecting on previous delays in cash awards for medalists, Jhajharia noted that timely recognition signifies the government's increasing support for Indian sports. "The welcome at the airport was unprecedented. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya personally greeted the athletes, making it a memorable occasion. I recall my own experience at the 2014 Paralympics, where I expressed to the Prime Minister the need for prompt cash awards. Today, witnessing athletes receive their rewards promptly fills me with gratitude. I commend the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister for their unwavering support for athletes," Jhajharia remarked.

India's Record Para-Athletics Performance

This Commonwealth Games marked India's best-ever performance in para-athletics, with six out of 16 athletics medals, including three golds. Additionally, Jhandu Kumar secured a bronze in the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting category, contributing to a total of seven medals for para-athletes. Overall, India concluded the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a remarkable fourth place in the medal tally, amassing a total of 39 medals.