Sharmila Dhankar Shines with Gold at Commonwealth Games 2026
Sharmila Dhankar's Historic Win
Glasgow [Scotland], July 28: Indian para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar has made headlines by securing the gold medal in the women’s shot put F57 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Following her victory, she expressed her commitment to continue achieving success for her country, dedicating her first international gold to her mother while aiming for future competitions like the Asian Games and the Olympics.
In an interview after her win, Sharmila shared, “Winning this medal for my country fills me with immense joy. I am incredibly proud and will strive to bring more glory to India. This achievement was a dream of mine and my mother’s as well. I earned this gold through dedication, and I know my mother will be thrilled. Looking ahead, I have my sights set on the Asian Games and the Olympics. This is just the beginning, and I plan to secure many more medals in the future.”
The 40-year-old athlete achieved a season-best throw of 9.81 meters, comfortably surpassing Ghana's Zinabu Issah, who took home the silver with a throw of 8.65 meters.
India celebrated a double podium finish as fellow para-athlete Shilpa Shyla was elevated from fourth to bronze after Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi was disqualified, marking a significant achievement for the nation at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
Sharmila's gold medal contributed to India's tally of two golds among six medals won on Day 5 of the event.
Despite starting her athletic career at the age of 34, Sharmila has quickly risen to prominence, becoming India’s top F57 shot putter and clinching the national championship in 2021 before her remarkable performance in Glasgow.
India's overall medal count at the Games stands at 10, including two golds, five silvers, and three bronzes, showcasing a strong performance in Scotland.
Notable medalists for India include Mirabai Chanu (gold in weightlifting), Sharmila Dhankar (gold in women’s shot put F57), Rishikanta Singh (silver in weightlifting), Muthupandi Raja (silver in weightlifting), Gyaneshwari Yadav (silver in weightlifting), Sarvesh Kushare (silver in men’s high jump), Valluri Ajaya Babu (silver in weightlifting), Bindyarani Devi (bronze in weightlifting), Shilpa Shyla (bronze in women’s shot put F57), and Jhandu Kumar (bronze in para powerlifting).