Sharmila Dhankar Makes History with Gold at Commonwealth Games 2026

Sharmila Dhankar has etched her name in history by winning the gold medal in the women's shot put F57 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This remarkable achievement not only marks her as India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics but also contributes to India's growing medal tally at the Games. With a season-best throw of 9.81 meters, Sharmila's victory, alongside Shilpa Shyla's bronze medal, highlights a proud moment for Indian sports. Discover more about this inspiring story and the achievements of the Indian contingent in Glasgow.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2026, 06:28 IST

Historic Achievement for Indian Para Athletics

Glasgow [Scotland], July 28: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya extended his congratulations to Sharmila Dhankar after she made history by securing the gold medal in the women's shot put F57 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. He described her victory as a significant milestone for Indian para athletics.

In a post on X, Mandaviya shared a video of Sharmila celebrating alongside fellow para-athlete Shilpa Shyla, both proudly waving the national flag after India achieved its first double podium finish at the Glasgow Games. He stated, “HISTORIC GOLD IN GLASGOW! Sharmila wins Gold in Women’s Shot Put F57 & creates history at #CWG2026. She becomes India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in Para Athletics. Your indomitable spirit has made the entire nation proud on the global stage.”

Sharmila delivered an impressive season-best throw of 9.81 meters, easily surpassing Ghana’s Zinabu Issah, who secured the silver medal with a throw of 8.65 meters.

The event became even more remarkable for India when Shilpa Shyla was elevated from fourth to third place, earning a bronze medal after Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi was disqualified. This marked India’s first double podium finish at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Sharmila’s triumph brought India its second gold medal of the Games, contributing to a successful day for the Indian team in Glasgow.

The 40-year-old para-athlete from Haryana has seen a swift ascent in her career since she began athletics at 34. She quickly established herself as India’s top F57 shot putter, winning the national championship in 2021 and now achieving gold at the Commonwealth Games.

India’s performance in Glasgow has gained momentum, with the country amassing a total of 10 medals so far — two gold, five silver, and three bronze.

Among India’s medalists at the Games are Mirabai Chanu (gold, weightlifting), Sharmila Dhankar (gold, women’s shot put F57), Rishikanta Singh (silver, weightlifting), Muthupandi Raja (silver, weightlifting), Gyaneshwari Yadav (silver, weightlifting), Sarvesh Kushare (silver, men’s high jump), Valluri Ajaya Babu (silver, weightlifting), Bindyarani Devi (bronze, weightlifting), Shilpa Shyla (bronze, women’s shot put F57), and Jhandu Kumar (bronze, para powerlifting).