Sharmila Dhankar ends India's 20-year wait for Para Athletics gold at CWG 2026
India's Sharmila Dhankar clinched the gold medal in the women's shot put F57 final at the Commonwealth Games 2026, marking the country's first-ever gold in para athletics at the Games. Her season-best throw of 9.81 metres ended a 20-year drought for India in para athletics medals at the Commonwealth Games.
Sharmila, born into a zamindar family in Haryana's Chhithroli village, became the first Indian woman to win a para athletics medal at the Games. Her achievement also secured India's second gold medal in this edition of the Commonwealth Games.
In the same event, compatriot Shilpa Shyla won the bronze medal with a personal best throw of 7.26 metres. This marks the first time India has won two medals in the same para athletics event at the Commonwealth Games.
The double podium finish underscores the growing strength of Indian para athletics on the international stage. Both athletes have been training rigorously under the guidance of national coaches and support staff.
