PM Modi hails Shilpa Shyla's "brilliant performance" at CWG 2026 at Glasgow
New Delhi, July 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Indian para-athlete Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla for winning the bronze medal in the women's shot put F57 final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Taking to X, PM Modi praised Shilpa's performance and highlighted her personal-best throw in the event.
"A brilliant performance by Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla at the Commonwealth Games 2026! Congratulations to Shilpa for having won the Bronze Medal in the Women's Shot Put F57 Final and that too with a personal best throw. This is indeed a remarkable accomplishment," PM Modi wrote.
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.
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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Kudos to Shilpa and Sharmila! But honestly, I wish the media would focus more on the athletes' struggles than just the PM's tweet. These women have overcome so much—Shilpa's accident, Sharmila's age—and they deserve all the spotlight.
So happy for Shilpa! From a school teacher to a CWG medalist, her journey is a testament to never giving up. And Sharmila continuing to dominate at 40! 🏅 The double podium is a big achievement for Indian para-sports.
Great news, but I wish the government would invest more in grassroots para-sports. These athletes achieve despite the system, not because of it. Still, massive respect to Shilpa and Sharmila for bringing home medals! 👏
What a moment for India! Shilpa's bronze is well-deserved, and the double podium shows our para-athletes' strength. Her perseverance after the accident is truly inspiring. Wish her all the best for future events!
Incredible performance by both Shilpa and Sharmila. The personal best and the bronze after the official review show true grit. But let's also remember the Nigerian athlete who was disqualified—rules are rules, but it must be tough for her. No hard feelings, just sport.
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