Who Is Sharmila Dhankar? Haryana Athlete Wins India’s First-Ever Para Athletics Gold at CWG 2026

From battling polio and domestic abuse to becoming India's first para athletics gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, Sharmila Dhankar's inspiring journey is a story of courage and determination.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 28 July 2026, 8:32 AM IST

Sharmila Dhankar won the country's first-ever para athletics gold medal (Img: X)

New Delhi: India celebrated a landmark achievement at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as Sharmila Dhankar won the country's first-ever para athletics gold medal. The 40-year-old emerged victorious in the women's F57 shot put event with a season-best throw of 9.81 metres, adding another golden chapter to India's sporting history.

Her remarkable performance also boosted India's medal tally, making her the nation's second gold medallist of the Games.

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Season-Best Throw Secures Gold

Dhankar delivered her best performance of the season when it mattered most. Her throw of 9.81 metres comfortably outclassed Ghana's Zinabu Issah, who claimed silver with 8.65 metres, while Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi took bronze after registering 8.19 metres. Fellow Indian athlete Shilpa narrowly missed a podium finish, ending fourth.

A Journey Filled With Challenges

Born in Chitrauli village in Haryana, Sharmila contracted polio at the age of two, leaving one leg permanently affected. Her personal life was equally difficult. Married at 18, she endured years of domestic violence and dowry-related abuse before leaving her first marriage with her two daughters.

She has openly spoken about battling depression and suicidal thoughts during one of the darkest phases of her life.

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A New Beginning Changed Everything

At 28, Dhankar married Ajit Singh, whose encouragement transformed her life. After learning about para athletics through a newspaper, he motivated her to take up the sport professionally. In a remarkable display of support, the family even sold their house in 2023 to finance her training and international competitions.

Late Start, Historic Finish

Unlike most elite athletes, Dhankar entered competitive sports only at the age of 34. She went on to win the national title in 2021 before steadily climbing the international rankings. Her Commonwealth Games triumph now stands as the biggest achievement of her career and a defining moment for Indian para athletics