Glasgow, 28 July (H.S.): India's para athletics team achieved a historic milestone at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as para athlete Sharmila Dhankhar won the gold medal in the women's F57 shot put event on Monday (local time), securing India's first-ever gold medal in para athletics in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

With the victory, Sharmila also became the first Indian woman to win a medal in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games.

Sharmila produced a best throw of 9.81 metres in the final to finish at the top of the standings and script history. The F57 classification is meant for athletes with lower-limb impairments, limb deficiencies or reduced muscle power who compete in seated throwing events.

India's Shilpa K. Shaila also delivered an impressive performance in the same event to win the bronze medal. Shilpa was initially placed fourth with a throw of 7.26 metres, but Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi's only valid throw of 8.19 metres was later ruled a foul following a technical review. As a result, Shilpa moved up to third place and was awarded the bronze medal.

This marks the first time that India has won two medals in a single para athletics event at the Commonwealth Games. Sharmila's historic gold and Shilpa's bronze made it a memorable day for the Indian contingent.

With these two medals, India's overall tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 has risen to 10, comprising two gold, five silver and three bronze medals. India is currently placed eighth in the medal standings.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar