Sharmila Dhankar Makes History with Gold at Commonwealth Games 2026

Historic Gold Medal Achievement

Indian para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar achieved a remarkable milestone at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 27. She secured a gold medal in the women's shot put F57 event, marking her as the first Indian to win a gold medal in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games.

At 40 years old, Sharmila's impressive throw of 9.81 meters not only earned her the gold but also ended a two-decade wait for India to win a para-athletics medal at these games. This victory added to India's tally, bringing the total to three medals in para sports at the Glasgow Games, showcasing the strength of the country's para-athletes.

Competition Highlights

In the same event, Sharmila outperformed her fellow Indian athlete, Shilpa Shyla, who took home the bronze medal with a throw of 7.26 meters. Nigeria's Joy Onaolapo secured the silver medal with a distance of 9.24 meters.

Overcoming Adversity

Sharmila's journey to this historic win is marked by resilience. She faced severe domestic abuse, poverty, and childhood polio, which she overcame to become a symbol of strength in Indian sports.

In an interview following her victory, Sharmila recounted her traumatic experiences, including being abused by her first husband. She stated, "One night, I was beaten from 11 pm to 3 am and thrown out of the house. I never went back."

Her background is equally challenging; her mother is blind, and her father worked as a farmer, making their financial situation precarious. The polio she contracted at the age of two further complicated her early life.

Athletic Journey Begins at 34

Sharmila began her athletic career later than most, at the age of 34, encouraged by her second husband, Ajit Singh. He introduced her to para sports and helped her train with coaches Tek Chand and Devendra. She gained national attention in 2021 by winning gold in her debut at the National Championships.

Her first Commonwealth Games appearance was in Birmingham, where she narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth. In 2023, she placed fifth at the Asian Para-Games in Hangzhou and made her World Para-Athletics Championships debut in New Delhi, again finishing fifth.

Sharmila's significant breakthrough came when she won gold in shot put and bronze in discus at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship in Dubai, paving the way for her historic gold at the Commonwealth Games.

A Personal Triumph

Winning the gold medal in Glasgow not only represents the peak of Sharmila's athletic career but also fulfills her personal dreams of providing a better future for her two daughters, Anju and Lakshmi. She aims to ensure they have opportunities and a life free from the hardships she endured.