India celebrated a landmark moment at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Sharmila Dhankar clinched the country’s first-ever gold medal in para athletics. The Haryana para-athlete scripted history by winning the women’s shot put F57 event with a season-best throw of 9.81 metres, marking a significant milestone for Indian para sports on the Commonwealth stage.
Sharmila’s gold medal is the first by an Indian in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games, adding another glorious chapter to the nation’s growing success in international disability sports. Her remarkable performance came on a memorable day for the Indian contingent, which secured multiple medals across athletics, para athletics, and weightlifting.
The competition saw Sharmila maintain her composure under pressure as she delivered her best throw of the season to secure the top spot on the podium. Her victory also highlighted years of perseverance and determination after overcoming immense personal and financial hardships to reach the pinnacle of her sport.
India’s success in the event became even more special as fellow para-athlete Shilpa Shyla earned a bronze medal in the same women’s shot put F57 category after an official review, giving India a historic double podium finish in para athletics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated Sharmila on her historic achievement, praising her dedication and describing her victory as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Sharmila’s triumph proved to be the highlight of India’s strongest day at the Glasgow Games so far. Alongside her gold, Indian athletes added several more medals, boosting the country’s position in the overall medal standings and showcasing the depth of talent across multiple disciplines.
The historic victory is expected to inspire a new generation of para athletes in India and further strengthen the country’s commitment to promoting inclusive sports. As celebrations continue, Sharmila Dhankar’s name has been etched into Commonwealth Games history as the athlete who delivered India’s first-ever para athletics gold medal.
