Sharmila Dhankar: From Domestic Abuse Survivor to India's First CWG Para-Athletics Gold Medalist
Sharmila Dhankar has won India's first-ever para-athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, with a season-best throw of 9.81m in the women's shot put F57 event on Monday, July 27. The 39-year-old athlete overcame a challenging past of domestic abuse and poverty to achieve this historic feat, inspiring millions.
Glasgow: In a moment that transcends sport, India's Sharmila Dhankar has etched her name into the annals of Commonwealth Games history, clinching the nation's first-ever para-athletics gold medal. The 39-year-old athlete delivered a stellar performance in the women's shot put F57 event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, achieving a season-best throw of 9.81m. India Commonwealth Games 2026 Medal Tally: Sharmila Dhankar Adds India's Second Gold.
A Journey of Unyielding Resilience
Dhankar's gold medal is not merely a sporting achievement; it is a testament to an extraordinary journey of resilience and courage. Born on August 15, 1986, the Haryana native contracted polio at the tender age of two, which left her left leg permanently affected. Her early life was further compounded by poverty and, devastatingly, years of physical and emotional abuse in her first marriage. While speaking to The Times of India, she recounted a harrowing period where she was "beaten from 11 pm to 3 am" over dowry demands and for giving birth to daughters, leading her to contemplate suicide.
Her life took a dramatic turn after her second marriage at 28 to Ajit Singh, who encouraged her to pursue para-athletics in 2020. Despite starting her athletic career late at the age of 34, Dhankar's dedication under coach Tek Chand saw her rapid ascent. She became a national champion in 2021 and has since established herself as a formidable F57 thrower. The family even sold their house in 2023 to support her training and competitive aspirations, highlighting the immense sacrifices made for her dream.
Historic Performance in Glasgow
Competing in Glasgow, Dhankar's powerful throw of 9.81m not only secured the gold but also shattered a 20-year wait for a para-athletics medal for India at the Commonwealth Games, with the last medal coming in 2006. Ghana's Zinabu Issah claimed the silver medal with a throw of 8.65m, while fellow Indian Shilpa Shyla secured a dramatic bronze medal after a successful protest overturned an initial ruling. Shilpa Shyla achieved a personal best throw of 7.26m.
Sharmila Dhankar Historic Moment
Breaking barriers. Making history. 🤩
A golden first for Indian Para Athletics.🥇
Sharmila Dhankar creates history, becoming India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist in Para Athletics with a throw of 9.81m. ✨
Watch the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 LIVE &… pic.twitter.com/32yp6fXm48
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 27, 2026
Dhankar's path to this historic win has seen her consistently improve. She finished fourth at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, narrowly missing a medal. This year, prior to Glasgow, she showcased her form by winning gold at the 2025 Indian Open Para Athletics Championships with a 9.77m throw, and also secured gold in the F57 shot put with a throw of 8.86m and bronze in discus throw at the 2026 Fazza International Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.
Her remarkable achievement brings India's total medal tally at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to 10, comprising two gold, five silver, and three bronze medals at the time of her victory. Sharmila Dhankar's story is an inspiring beacon of hope, proving that with unwavering determination, even the most profound adversities can be transformed into triumphs.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 11:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
