At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sharmila Dhankar made history with a gold in the women's F57 shot put, while teammate Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla earned bronze after a review, delivering India's first ever double podium in para athletics.

Key Takeaways

  • Sharmila Dhankar threw a season‑best 9.81 m to claim gold in the women's F57 shot put.
  • Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla was upgraded to bronze after a officials' review, giving India a historic double podium.
  • The victory ends a 20‑year medal drought for India in Commonwealth Games para athletics.

Glasgow, July 28, 2026 – Sharmila Dhankar delivered a career‑defining performance, launching a 9.81 m shot put to become India’s first Commonwealth Games para‑athletics champion and the first Indian woman to win a para‑athletics medal at the Games.

Moments after Sharmila’s triumph, teammate Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla, originally placed fourth, was promoted to bronze when officials nullified Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi’s mark. The unexpected revision handed India its inaugural double podium in para athletics.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this double podium not only lifts the morale of Indian para‑athletes but also signals a turning point for greater investment and visibility in para‑sports across the sub‑continent.

"Sharmila’s victory writes a new chapter for India’s para‑athletics future," said a former Asia Para Athletics coach.

Historical Background

India’s last Commonwealth Games para‑athletics medal came in 2006 when Savita Singh secured bronze in discus. Two decades passed without a podium finish, making this 2026 success all the more momentous.

Did You Know?: Sharmila took up para athletics only in 2020, winning a national title within a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who coached Sharmila Dhankar to this gold?
A: She trained under coach Tek Chand.

Q2: How did Shilpa Shyla end up with a bronze?
A: A post‑event review disqualified Nigeria’s athlete, moving Shilpa from fourth to third place.