Sharmila Dhankar Makes History with Gold at Commonwealth Games

Historic Achievement in Para Athletics

On Monday, Sharmila Dhankar etched her name in history by clinching the gold medal in the women's shot put F57 event, becoming the first Indian para athlete to achieve this feat at the Commonwealth Games. With a remarkable throw of 9.81 meters, she ended a two-decade wait for a para athletics medal for India at the CWG. Sharmila's journey to Glasgow was one of redemption, as she had narrowly missed a medal by finishing fourth in the same event during the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Four years later, she returned with determination and delivered her best performance yet.

Journey of Resilience

Sharmila's path from the small village of Chitrauli in Haryana to the podium in Glasgow was fraught with challenges. Growing up in a financially constrained household, her father was a farmer with limited land, and her mother, who had visual impairments, was significantly younger than him. As the second of three daughters, Sharmila faced additional hardships when she contracted polio at the age of two, which left her left leg permanently affected. Her struggles continued as she endured an abusive marriage shortly after completing her Class 10 exams.

After her first marriage, she worked various jobs, including as a maid and cleaner at a women’s hospital near her village. Despite the meager income, this work provided her an escape from negative thoughts. At 28, she remarried to Ajit Singh, who encouraged her to pursue parasports. Her recent triumph in Glasgow is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Celebrating Glasgow Success

Following Sharmila's historic win, officials adjusted the results for Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi, promoting teammate Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla to the bronze medal position, marking India's first-ever double podium finish in a para athletics event at the Commonwealth Games.