Sports
oi-Ashish Rana
India’s first ever-commonwealth Games para athletic gold winner, Sharmila Dhankar feels that her will inspire generations of para athletes and can change her family’s future.
India’s first Commonwealth Games para-athletics gold medalist, Sharmila Dhankar, won the F57 shot put with a 9.81m throw, expressing hope that this historic achievement will end financial struggles and inspire future athletes.
In an interaction with MyKhel, OneIndia’s sister publication, the 40-years Old Haryana athlete shared her emotional journey after winning gold in women’s F57 shot put event also becomes Commonwealth Games’s season best throw with 9.81 m.
Historic Gold Gives Sharmila Hope for a Better Future
“This gold definitely is going to be a game changer in my life. I hope this also puts an end to my financial struggle as we have faced a lot of hardships as a family. My mother and husband have been a pillar of my strength so far.”
Sharmila lives in a rented house in Rewari, now she believes that this gold medal will now help her to secure a government job and more recognition to para athletes.
Heartiest congratulations to Sharmila Dhankar on winning the Gold Medal in the Womens Shot Put F57 event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
By becoming Indias first-ever Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in Para Athletics, you have achieved a landmark feat. Your…— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 28, 2026
“I am extremely happy to have become the first Indian para athlete to clinch a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. I hope to continue putting up good show in the upcoming events as well and win medals for my country.”
Mother and Husband’s Sacrifices Kept Her Dream Alive
After winning the gold medal in Commonwealth games, the champion also shared how his family did sacrifices for her so that she could live her sports dream. She revealed how her mother sold a family land worth Rs 25 lakh, while later her husband sold their house to her training and competitions.
“I want to dedicate my medal to my mother. She has sacrificed a lot and always supported me. She owned a piece of land which she sold to fund my journey. She got Rs 25 lakh by selling that land.”
“We have seen a lot of hardships in the family but all that has made me strong and only motivated me to keep the fire in the belly burning. My husband Ajit has done a lot for me ever since he married and took good care of my daughters.”
Birmingham Heartbreak Became Glasgow Redemption
Sharmila also said that her Glasgow gold as her redemption after she narrowly missed a medal at 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, there she finished at fourth position.
History has been created in Glasgow!
Congratulations to Sharmila for a very special Gold in the Womens Shot Put F57 event and also for a season-best throw. This remarkable performance ends a two decade long wait for a Para Athletics Gold at the Commonwealth Games.
My best…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2026
“I finished fourth at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 but was determined to do well.”
Eyes on 2030 Commonwealth Games With Her Daughters
Now Sharmila has made her aim for 2030 Commonwealth Games, which India is going to host. She says that now her dream is to stand alongside her two daughters, who also have taken up athletics after inspiring from her mother.
“At the Commonwealth Games 2030, I want that there are three gold medals under one roof as my daughters are also athletes.”
Sharmila who has not become inspiration for many and para athletes, shared message for upcoming women and para athletes to stay focus on their goals.
“Don’t get bothered by circumstances. Don’t get distracted. Keep yourself focused and nothing is unachievable.”
