'I will continue bringing glory to the nation': Sharmila Dhankar sets sights on Asian Games, Olympics after CWG gold
Glasgow, July 28
Fresh from winning the women's shot put F57 gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Indian para-athlete Sharmila Dhankar said she is determined to continue bringing laurels to the country, dedicating her maiden International gold to her mother while setting her sights on the Asian Games and the Olympics.
Speaking to ANI after her triumph in Glasgow, Sharmila said, "I am extremely happy to win a medal for my country. I feel really proud, and I will continue bringing glory to the nation. This was my dream, and my mother's dream too. I won this gold through hard work. My mother will be overjoyed. I got this medal for her. Asian Games and the Olympics are next. This is my first medal, and I will keep winning many more in the future."
The 40-year-old produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to clinch the gold medal, finishing comfortably ahead of Ghana's Zinabu Issah, who claimed silver with a best effort of 8.65m.
The event later turned into a double celebration for India after fellow para-athlete Shilpa Shyla was upgraded from fourth place to bronze following the disqualification of Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi, giving India its first double podium finish of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
Sharmila's victory earned India its second gold medal of the Games and was one of six medals won by the country on Day 5 of the competition.
The Haryana para-athlete only began competing in athletics at the age of 34 but has enjoyed a rapid rise, emerging as India's leading F57 shot putter and becoming national champion in 2021 before reaching the top step of the Commonwealth Games podium in Glasgow.
Her gold formed part of India's impressive campaign in Scotland, where the country has so far collected 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
So proud of our para-athletes! Sharmila's dedication and her mother's dream coming true - this is what makes Indian sports so special. One small critique though - the government needs to provide better facilities and training infrastructure for para-athletes from the beginning, so they don't have to start at 34. Imagine what she could have achieved with earlier support!
That double podium finish for India in shot put is incredible! Sharmila and Shilpa both showing the world what Indian women can do. The future of Indian para-sports looks very bright. 🙌
From zero to hero - that's Sharmila's journey. Started at 34 and now gold at CWG at 40. Age is just a number when you have determination like her. Asian Games aur Olympics mein bhi gold laayegi yeh! Haryana ki beti ne naam roshan kiya. 👏
I love how she dedicated this to her mother. That's the Indian way - always remembering where you came from. What a beautiful moment for both of them. And 10 medals for India so far - we're coming up strong!
So happy to see para-sports getting recognition. Sharmila's story shows that with proper support, our athletes can compete with the best. But we need more investment in grassroots para-sports programs in villages and small towns. Many talented athletes like her are waiting for a chance. Congrats to the entire team! 🌟
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