40-year-old Sharmila Dhankar created history on July 27 as she became first India to win a para athletics gold medal in the Commonwealth Games. In the women's shot put F57 event (athletes who have lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies, or reduced muscle strength) in Glasgow, Sharmila's 9.81 metre throw put her on the podium, ending India's 20-year wait for a para athletics medal at the Games. It was her season-best throw.
Two Indians on podium after protest, Shilpa joins Sharmila
Before July 27, India did not have a single medal in para athletics in CWG history. At the same event, Sharmila was joined by Shilpa Shyla on the podium. Her personal best of 7.26m was enough to secure a bronze medal.
ALSO READ: Son of onion farmer, Sarvesh Kushare wins India's first silver in men's high jump at CWG
Initially, Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi was set to win the bronze medal. However, after India's protest and official review, her throw was adjudged a foul. Eucharia can launch a protest as well but it looks unlikely. Shyla got emotional as dramatic series of events led to her bagging a bronze medal. India now have two medals in para athletics.
ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Gyaneshwari Devi bags silver, delivers India's fifth medal with 199kg total lift
Sharmila overcomes challenges in second innings
Born in Haryana's Chhithroli, Sharmila was two years old when she had contracted polio after high fever. She faced domestic violence in her first marriage. Hailing from a zamindar family, she got support to get her life back on track.
She married Ajit Singh, a business from Rewari. She started training under coach Tek Chand with support from her husband. In the following year, she won the National Championship. In the F57 shot put and discus throw events, Sharmila has been leading the charts. In 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, she had finished fourth.
Humble beginnings to bronze medal
Shilpa hails from Bengaluru, Karnataka. She has had humble beginnings. She was four years old when she became a victim of a road accident. The Secretary of Para Volleyball became his window to para sports. She has been training under Coach Eshan S.D. in Bengaluru.