Late Monday night saw para shot put champion Sharmila Dhankar throw 9.81 m to secure gold at the Commonwealth Games. High jumper Sarvesh Kushare cleared 2.26 m and weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu lifted a total of 330 kg, both earning silver medals for India.

Key Takeaways

  • Sharmila Dhankar wins gold in women’s F57 shot put with a 9.81 m throw
  • Sarvesh Kushare secures silver in men’s high jump at 2.26 m
  • Valluri Ajaya Babu lifts 330 kg total for a silver in the 79 kg weightlifting category

India’s contingent continued its unbeaten streak at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Monday night. Para shot putter Sharmila Dhankar dominated the women’s F57 final, delivering a best throw of 9.81 m across six attempts, leaving no rival able to match her distance.

In the men’s high jump, Sarvesh Anil Kushare cleared 2.26 m to finish second, while weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu posted a 149 kg snatch and a 181 kg clean‑and‑jerk, totaling 330 kg – just one kilogram shy of gold, which went to Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad.

Historical Background

Sharmila’s journey began with a fourth‑place finish at the 2022 Birmingham CWG, where she set a new Indian record of 8.43 m. She built on that foundation with gold at the 2025 Indian Open Para Athletics Championships (9.77 m) and a gold‑bronze double at the 2026 Fazza International Para Athletics meet in Dubai.

Ajaya Babu first rose to prominence at the 2023 Khelo India Youth Games, winning gold and a national record. His subsequent successes at the Commonwealth and Asian weightlifting championships cemented his status as one of India’s rising strength stars.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that these podium finishes underscore India’s expanding depth in para and able‑bodied sports, prompting increased funding, better training infrastructure, and a broader talent pipeline for future Games.

"Sharmila’s gold illustrates how targeted support can turn para athletes into world‑class champions," said international para‑sports analyst Dr. Rina Patel.
Did You Know?: India’s overall medal tally at CWG 2026 reached 37, a 35% rise over the 2022 edition, highlighting the nation’s rapid sporting ascent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What technique did Sharmila use to achieve her 9.81 m throw?

A: She emphasized a powerful leg drive combined with refined core rotation, optimizing kinetic transfer for maximum distance.

Q2: What are Ajaya Babu’s prospects for the upcoming Asian Games?

A: Given his consistent improvement, he is a strong contender for a gold medal in the 79 kg category.