Sharmila Dhankar wins India’s first Commonwealth para athletics gold in women’s shot put F57

Sharmila Dhankar secured India's first para-athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She achieved a season-best throw of 9.81m in the women's shot put F57 event. Dhankar overcame poverty and domestic abuse to pursue her athletic aspirations. She previously competed in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and Asian Para Games. Her success fuels her dream of providing opportunities for her daughters.

Sharmila Dhankar's journey to Commonwealth Games glory is one of extraordinary resilience. From surviving an abusive marriage and battling polio to standing atop the podium in Glasgow, the 40-year-old para-athlete scripted one of Indian sport's most inspiring comeback stories by winning the women's shot put F57 gold medal. In doing so, she became the first Indian to claim a para-athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Born into a farming family in Haryana, Dhankar contracted polio as a child and endured years of personal hardship. Married at a young age, she faced domestic abuse before leaving the relationship with her two daughters. Her life took a positive turn after remarrying, with her husband encouraging her to pursue para athletics despite starting the sport only in her mid-30s. 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.… pic.twitter.com/gP1RA7ZHbn— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 27, 2026 Dhankar's late start did not stop her rise through the ranks. She steadily established herself as one of India's leading para shot putters, representing the country on the international stage. At the 2026 Commonwealth Games, she produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres in the F57 final to comfortably secure the gold medal ahead of Ghana's Zinabu Issah. Her victory was more than just a personal milestone. It marked India's maiden gold medal in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games and headlined a memorable Day 5 for the Indian contingent, which collected six medals across multiple disciplines. Dhankar's triumph also strengthened India's growing reputation in para sports on the global stage. Dhankar's remarkable rise from adversity to Commonwealth champion has made her an inspiration far beyond the athletics arena. Her story stands as a testament to perseverance, proving that setbacks do not define a person's future and that determination can turn even the toughest challenges into historic achievements.

Sharmila Dhankar produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to clinch gold in the women's shot put F57 event, becoming India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics.

Sharmila Dhankar produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to clinch gold in the women's shot put F57 event, becoming India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics.

Sharmila Dhankar, who contracted polio in her left leg at the age of two, has enjoyed an impressive season. She won gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship earlier this year.

Sharmila Dhankar scripted history on Monday as she won India's first para athletics gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, clinching the top spot in the women's shot put F57 event.