Sharmila Dhankar has achieved a significant milestone for India at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing the gold medal in the women’s shot put F57 event. Her performance, which included a season-best effort of 9.81m, marks India’s first-ever gold medal in para-athletics at the Games. This victory also concludes a 20-year wait for India to earn a para-athletics medal at the event.
Dhankar’s journey to this achievement has been marked by personal challenges. Hailing from Chautrali in Haryana, she was born to a small-time farmer, and her mother was visually impaired. She was afflicted by polio at the age of two. Her coach, Satyanarayana, highlighted her mental and physical strength, noting that she began her career in para-athletics later in life, at the age of 34. She participated in her first nationals in 2021, where she won a gold medal. Satyanarayana also mentioned that Dhankar, now 39, is performing exceptionally well and was motivated after missing a medal at the previous Games in Birmingham.
Sport has provided a new direction for Dhankar, offering independence and self-sustenance. Her involvement in para-athletics, initially in shot put before taking up discus throw, was encouraged by a relative and her second husband. Before her second marriage, she endured domestic abuse during her first marriage. Her coach noted that a 45-day training camp in Bengaluru preceded the Games.
India’s Medal Haul in Glasgow
India experienced a productive day at the Commonwealth Games, with a total of six medals added to its tally on Day 5. This brought the country’s overall medal count to 10, comprising two gold, five silver, and three bronze medals. This performance elevated India to eighth position in the medal standings.
In addition to Dhankar’s gold, several other Indian athletes secured medals. High jumper Sarvesh Kushare clinched a silver medal in the men’s high jump event at the Scotstoun Stadium, clearing 2.25m. Weightlifters Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav each earned a silver medal. Valluri Babu narrowly missed gold in the men’s 79kg competition, finishing just 1kg behind Malaysia’s Muhammad Erry Hidayat. Gyaneshwari Yadav secured her silver in the women’s 53kg event, marking her debut at the Commonwealth Games.
Shot putter Shilpa Shyla also contributed a bronze medal in the women’s shot put F57 event. Her medal was secured after a post-match protest and review led to Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi being stripped of her mark. The success in athletics, para-athletics, and weightlifting contributed significantly to India’s medal count on Day 5.
Overall Standings and Future Hopes
The medal standings at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games show Australia leading with 59 medals, including 26 gold, 13 silver, and 20 bronze. England holds the second position with 32 medals. Canada is in third place with 21 medals, followed by Nigeria with 10 and Scotland with 11. South Africa and Malaysia are tied with 11 medals each, while India is close behind with 10.
Jamaica rounds off the top nine with two gold medals, and New Zealand completes the top 10 with eight medals. India’s boxing contingent also maintains medal hopes, with athletes reaching the quarterfinals. Boxer Lovlina Borgohain is assured of a medal in the women’s 75kg event after receiving a quarter-final bye.
The Commonwealth Games continue, with India aiming to add more medals to its current tally of 10.
Source: newsonair.gov.in
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter