Shillong: Sharmila Dhankar secured India’s first-ever para-athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Monday night. The 40-year-old launched a season-best throw of 9.81m in the women’s shot put F57 event. She ended a twenty-year wait for a podium finish in this category.
The competition brought a second medal for India after a successful protest. Officials initially placed Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi in the bronze position. A review later ruled her mark a foul. Shilpa Shyla, who recorded a personal best of 7.26m, moved up to take the bronze. Officials now expect a counter-protest from Nigeria.
Sharmila, from Chhithroli in Haryana, overcame polio at age two and an abusive marriage before finding success. She began her athletic career in 2020 under coach Tek Chand with the support of her second husband, businessman Ajit Singh. The pair has two children.
Sharmila reflected on her journey after the win. “I am very happy. The feeling has not yet sunk in, may be it will take another two-three days. My mother fought the world to help me fulfil my dreams. My next target is a gold at the Asian Games,” she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the historic achievement on X.
The F57 class covers athletes with limb deficiencies or muscle power issues. Sharmila previously finished fourth at the 2022 Birmingham Games. She also won gold at this year’s Fazza International Para Athletics Championship.
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