Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his congratulations to Sharmila Dhankar following her historic achievement at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Indian para-athlete made headlines as she became the first gold medallist in para-athletics for the country, securing the women’s F57 shot put title with an impressive season-best throw of 9.81 meters on Monday night. This remarkable performance also marked the end of India’s two-decade-long wait for a para-athletics medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Event Context
The last time India secured a medal in this event was during the 2006 Commonwealth Games, where Ranjith Kumar Jayaseelan earned a silver in the men’s seated discus throw. Sharmila’s groundbreaking victory represents a significant achievement for Indian para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games.
Player Focus
History has been made in Glasgow! Congratulations to Sharmila for winning a remarkable Gold medal in the Women’s Shot Put F57 event, along with achieving a season-best throw. This outstanding accomplishment marks the end of a 20-year wait for a Para Athletics Gold at the Commonwealth Games. Best wishes for your future endeavors! #CWG2026, PM Modi expressed on X.
Team Analysis
President Droupadi Murmu praised Sharmila Dhankar for her remarkable success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
‘Warmest congratulations to Sharmila Dhankar for clinching the Gold Medal in the Women’s Shot Put F57 event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. You have made history as India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games Gold medallist in Para Athletics, achieving a remarkable milestone. Your success will undoubtedly motivate young athletes to reach for excellence in their pursuits. I wish you continued success and many more accolades in the years ahead,’ the President noted in her post.
In addition, India celebrated another medal in athletics as Sarvesh Kushare made history, becoming the nation’s first Commonwealth Games silver medallist in men’s high jump. Kushare jumped 2.25 meters but finished just behind Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford, who secured gold on countback despite both achieving the same height with a cleaner execution.
As of Day 5 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, India has amassed a total of 10 medals: two gold, five silver, and three bronze. The gold medals were won by Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting) and Sharmila Dhankar (women’s shot put F57). Silver medalists included Rishikanta Singh, Muthupandi Raja, Gyaneshwari Yadav, and Valluri Ajaya Babu (all in weightlifting), along with Sarvesh Kushare in the men’s high jump. India’s bronze medalists to date are Bindyarani Devi (weightlifting), Shilpa K. Shyla (women’s shot put F57), and Jhandu Kumar (para powerlifting).
Match Outlook
Prime Minister Modi praised Dhankar for her groundbreaking victory at the Commonwealth Games, where she achieved a season-best throw in the para shot put. This remarkable feat marks the end of a 20-year drought for India in para-athletics gold at the event. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister celebrated this milestone as a significant moment for Indian sports and conveyed his best wishes for her future endeavors.
