Commonwealth Games 2026: Sharmila Dhankar creates history as India bags gold, three silvers
Sharmila Dhankar made history as India's first para-athletics gold medalist at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Indian contingent also secured three silver medals across high jump and weightlifting events.
Why it matters
This performance marks a significant achievement for Indian para-athletes and highlights the country's growing competitiveness in international multi-sport events.
' . esc_html($caption) . ' '; // Display the caption as } ?> --> Sharmila Dhankar scripted history by becoming India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games para-athletics gold medallist, while high jumper Sarvesh Kushare and weightlifters Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav clinched a silver each, as the country enjoyed a rewarding day in the multi-sport event in Glasgow.
Sharmila delivered a landmark performance by winning the women’s shot put F57 title with a season-best effort of 9.81m, becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in para-athletics at the Games late on Monday night.
Sharmila Dhankar wins Gold in Women's Shot Put F57 & creates history at #CWG2026 🏖️ pic.twitter.com/rsA46BscQN
Her triumph ended India’s 20-year wait for a para-athletics medal at the Games. The last para athletics medal in CWG was won by Ranjith Kumar Jayaseelan in the men’s seated Discus Throw event in the 2006 edition.
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