Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Sharmila Dhankar Wins India’s First Para Shot Put Gold
Sharmila Dhankar is a 40‑year‑old athlete from India who had polio as a child.
She started training in shot put when she was 34, after leaving a abusive marriage.
In 2026, she won a gold medal in Glasgow, the first time India has won a medal in para shot put.
She threw 9.81 metres, the best of the competition.
Sharmila said she wants her win to help other women who are being hurt at home.
She celebrated with her family, who helped her train.
Her story shows that it’s never too late to chase a dream.
It also reminds people that abuse is wrong and that help is available.
Her win is a big moment for Indian sports and for people who face challenges.
She hopes her story will make more women stand up for themselves.
Sharmila Dhankar, 40, won India’s first Commonwealth Games gold in women’s shot put F57 at Glasgow 2026.
Her season‑best throw of 9.81 metres ended a 20‑year wait for an Indian medal in para shot put.
Dhankar’s journey includes surviving childhood polio, domestic abuse, and starting sport at age 34.
She used the victory to urge Indian women to fight abuse, sharing her own experience of being thrown out by her first husband.
Family support, especially from her husband and daughters, helped her train and celebrate the win together.
- Who
- Sharmila Dhankar, Indian para athlete from Haryana
- What
- Won gold in women’s shot put F57 at the Commonwealth Games
- When
- 2026 Commonwealth Games
- Where
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Why
- To inspire women facing abuse and represent India in para athletics
- Athlete
- Sharmila Dhankar
- Event
- Commonwealth Games 2026
- Medal
- Gold
- Category
- Women’s Shot Put F57
- Throw
- 9.81 metres
- Age
- 40
- Country
- India
- Disability
- Polio (left leg)