CWG 2026: Sharmila Dhankhar Scripts History with India’s First Para-Athletics Gold, Shilpa Wins Bronze After Dramatic Review

New Delhi: India created history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Sharmila Dhankhar clinched the country’s first-ever gold medal in para-athletics, ending a 20-year wait for a Commonwealth Games medal in the discipline. Competing in the women’s F57 shot put, Sharmila produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to secure the top podium finish and India’s second gold medal of the Games.

India’s celebrations doubled when Shilpa Shayla was awarded the bronze medal in the same event after a dramatic post-event review. Shilpa had initially finished fourth with a personal-best throw of 7.26 metres, while Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi was declared third.

However, India lodged an official protest, following which officials reviewed the competition and ruled the Nigerian athlete’s only valid throw as a foul. The decision elevated Shilpa to third place, earning her a historic bronze medal. Overwhelmed with emotion, Shilpa broke into tears as she celebrated the achievement alongside Sharmila. Nigeria is expected to challenge the verdict with a counter-protest.

The F57 category is meant for athletes with lower-limb impairments. Sharmila, who was affected by polio in her left leg at the age of two, has enjoyed a remarkable season, having also won gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championships. She had narrowly missed the podium at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, finishing fourth.

Ajay Babu Adds Silver to India’s Medal Tally
India’s medal count also received a boost in weightlifting, with Valluri Ajay Babu winning the silver medal in the men’s 79kg category. The Indian lifter registered a total lift of 330kg, finishing just one kilogram behind Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan, who claimed gold with 331kg.

Ajay Babu’s achievement carries special significance as he continued his family’s Commonwealth Games legacy. His father, Srinivas Rao, had won bronze in the men’s 56kg weightlifting event at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Sixteen years later, the son has bettered that feat by securing a silver medal.

With Sharmila’s historic gold, Shilpa’s dramatic bronze, and Ajay Babu’s silver, India’s medal tally at CWG 2026 has risen to 10, including two gold medals.