"Champions like you remind us that no dream is too big": Yuvraj Singh lauds Sharmila Dhankar on CWG gold
New Delhi, July 28
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh congratulated Sharmila Dhankar after the Indian para-athlete created history by winning the women's shot put F57 gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Sharmila produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to clinch the gold medal, comfortably finishing ahead of Ghana's Zinabu Issah, who took silver with 8.65m.
In his Instagram story, Yuvraj praised Dhankar's determination and hard work, saying her Commonwealth Games gold medal proved that no dream is too big with courage and perseverance.
"Champions like you remind us that no dream is too big with courage and hard work. Congratulations, Sharmila Dhankhar, on your well-earned Commonwealth Games gold," he said.
The event turned memorable for India after Shilpa Shyla was upgraded from fourth place to the bronze medal following the disqualification of Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi, giving India its first double podium finish of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Sharmila's victory earned India its second gold medal of the Games and capped another successful day for the Indian contingent in Glasgow.
The 40-year-old Haryana para-athlete has enjoyed a rapid rise since taking up athletics at the age of 34. She went on to establish herself as India's leading F57 shot putter, becoming national champion in 2021 before reaching the pinnacle with Commonwealth Games gold.
India has so far won 10 medals -- two gold, five silver and three bronze.
India's medal winners at the Games are Mirabai Chanu (gold, weightlifting), Sharmila Dhankar (gold, women's shot put F57), Rishikanta Singh (silver, weightlifting), Muthupandi Raja (silver, weightlifting), Gyaneshwari Yadav (silver, weightlifting), Sarvesh Kushare (silver, men's high jump), Valluri Ajaya Babu (silver, weightlifting), Bindyarani Devi (bronze, weightlifting), Shilpa Shyla (bronze, women's shot put F57) and Jhandu Kumar (bronze, para powerlifting).
— ANI
Reader Comments
What a remarkable achievement! Starting athletics at 34 and winning Commonwealth gold at 40 - that takes incredible grit. The double podium finish with Shilpa Shyla is also fantastic. India is really making its mark in para sports!
Such a proud moment for India! Sharmila ma'am is a true inspiration for women in sports, especially from rural areas. But I do wish the government and media would give more coverage to para-athletes like her, even before they win medals. They deserve our support throughout their journey. 👏💪
Amazing stuff from India at the Commonwealth Games! 10 medals already and counting. Sharmila's story is a lesson in perseverance - she started late but made it count. Great to see Yuvraj Singh acknowledging her efforts too.
This is what true sportsmanship looks like! Sharmila Dhankar's journey from starting at 34 to winning CWG gold is not just inspiring - it's a reminder that age is just a number. And kudos to our weightlifters who are dominating! 5 medals in weightlifting alone - outstanding! 🏅
Super proud of our para-athletes! Sharmila didi and Shilpa didi both bringing glory to the nation. Yuvraj Singh's message shows the solidarity among Indian sportspersons. 10 medals and more to come - this is India's best CWG performance in recent years. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🔥
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