CWG 2026: Shilpa Shyla upgraded to bronze after Nigerian athlete disqualified in women's shotput F57
Glasgow, July 28
Indian para-athlete Shilpa Shyla was upgraded to the bronze medal in the women's shot put F57 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi was disqualified following an official review, handing India its first double podium finish of the Glasgow Games.
Shilpa had originally finished fourth with a personal best throw of 7.26 metres, but moved onto the podium after Iyiazi's result was struck off, according to ESPN. The revised standings saw fellow Indian Sharmila Dhankar retain the gold medal with a season-best effort of 9.81m, while Ghana's Zinabu Issah took silver with 8.65m.
The upgraded bronze increased India's medal tally to 10 medals at the Games -- two gold, five silver and three bronze medals.
Shilpa's medal also marked a significant personal milestone for the Karnataka para-athlete, whose journey to the Commonwealth podium has been shaped by resilience and perseverance.
Born in Kanchigara Koppalu village in Mysuru district, Shilpa lost her left leg at the age of four after being hit by a speeding truck. Despite the life-altering accident, she pursued her education, completed a postgraduate degree and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and initially worked as a school teacher before taking up para-athletics.
Her personal best throw of 7.26m in Glasgow initially left her just outside the medals, but the official review and subsequent disqualification of the Nigerian athlete elevated her to a well-deserved bronze, giving India its first double podium finish of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in a single event.
The women's shot put F57 competition was dominated by Sharmila Dhankar, who continued her dream run by winning gold with a season-best throw of 9.81m. The 40-year-old Haryana para-athlete produced the standout performance of the final, while Issah claimed silver for Ghana.
India's medal winners in Glasgow so far 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
Honestly, I'm happy for Shilpa but can't help feeling a bit conflicted. While the disqualification is clearly justified, it's bittersweet to gain a medal this way. However, her journey is remarkable – from a school teacher in Mysuru to a Commonwealth medallist. The system should support more such athletes from rural Karnataka. Sharmila Dhankar's gold is absolutely dominant though! 9.81m is outstanding.
India's first double podium in a single event at CWG – let that sink in! 🇮🇳 These para-athletes are showing what true determination looks like. Shilpa completing her PG and B.Ed while training for international athletics is no joke. We need to give more visibility and funding to para-sports. The government should definitely recognise these achievements properly. Also, great to see Karnataka and Haryana both contributing to India's tally!
Inspiring story from India! Two athletes from the same country on the podium in a para event – that's a testament to the growing depth in Indian para-athletics. Shilpa's personal best of 7.26m and her journey from Karnataka to Glasgow is truly motivating. These are the stories the world needs to hear more about. Big congratulations to Sharmila Dhankar as well for her dominant gold!
This is brilliant news! Shilpa Shyla's story is textbook desi resilience – losing a limb at 4, still completing her education, working as a teacher, and then making it to the Commonwealth Games podium. That's the spirit of India! 🇮🇳 Sharmila Dhankar's gold is icing on the cake. We need to celebrate these athletes more than our film stars. 10 medals already for India – let's keep the momentum going!
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