"Gold is just a trailer": CWG 2026 medallist Sharmila Dhankar sets sights on Asian Games, Paralympics
Rewari, August 7
Indian para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar said that the Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal is "just a trailer, and the movie is yet to come," while expressing her happiness over her achievement.
Dhankar scripted one of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 Commonwealth Games by clinching the gold medal in the women's shot put F57 event, completing a remarkable journey from surviving domestic violence to standing atop the podium in Glasgow.
The 40-year-old Indian para-athlete produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres, comfortably finishing ahead of Ghana's Zinabu Issah, who claimed silver with a best effort of 8.65m. Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi settled for bronze with a throw of 8.19m, while fellow Indian Shilpa finished fourth.
Speaking to ANI, Dhankar said her Commonwealth Games gold medal was only the beginning, with her next targets being the Asian Games and ultimately an Olympic gold. She credited her mother and the government for their support in her journey.
"This Commonwealth gold is just a trailer. The movie is yet to come. The next target is the Asian Games. After that, I'll set my target straight for the Olympics, for a good gold. I am very happy with the gold medal. I give credit to my mother. And also to our government. They've supported a lot," she said.
She also expressed pride after becoming India's first-ever para-athletics gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, saying she was unaware of the historic significance of her achievement. She added that she feels fortunate to have achieved several firsts in her journey, including becoming Haryana's first female conductor.
"I feel very happy. I didn't know that this gold medal of mine would become the first medal in the Commonwealth Games. I didn't know that. I thought someone else might have won it before. But when I found out that this is the first gold, I was very happy. When God made me a conductor, he made me the first female conductor in Haryana. Even when I brought the medal, I was the first one."
Dhankar expressed happiness at returning home and surprising children by showing up unannounced with the medals. She said winning Commonwealth Games gold exceeded her expectations and thanked the country for the immense love and support she received.
"I'm happy to be home and meet the kids. The kids saw the medals. I came without telling them, didn't tell anyone, I just showed up. I came unannounced, so they got a surprise and became even happier," she said.
"I feel very good. I hadn't even thought that there would be a gold in the Commonwealth, and so much would happen. I feel very happy. The love our country has given, I didn't know that so much love is received. So it's a very good feeling," she added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Respect to Sharmila ma'am. First female conductor in Haryana, and now first Indian para-athlete to win CWG gold in athletics. The "trailer" analogy is so typical Indian cinema style — but honestly, her life itself deserves a biopic. All the best for Asian Games! 💪
This is what resilience looks like. Coming from a background of domestic violence to becoming a gold medallist at 40 — she's proof that it's never too late. The credit to her mother and the government's support shows how important a strong support system is. Amazing story! 👏
"Movie is yet to come" — this lady is hungry for more! 🙌 The way she credits her mother and the government is touching. But I hope the government doesn't just celebrate her now and forget about para-athletes later. We need sustained support for these champions, not just post-victory selfies. Respect to Sharmila ji for her determination!
Sharmila ji, you're the real "Mannat" of Haryana! 😄 From being a bus conductor to a CWG gold medallist — your journey gives hope to millions of Indian women. The fact that she went home unannounced to surprise her kids is the sweetest part. God bless her for Asian Games and Paralympics!
A 40-year-old para-athlete winning her first CWG gold and aiming for more — that's the kind of never-give-up attitude we need everywhere. India's growing dominance in para sports is heartening. Wish Sharmila all the best for the Asian Games and Olympics!