India achieved a significant milestone at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Sharmila Dhankar securing the nation’s first-ever gold medal in para-athletics. Dhankar’s triumph in the women’s shot put F57 event ended a 20-year wait for India to claim a para-athletics medal at the Games. Her season-best throw of 9.81m earned her the top spot on the podium.
The F57 category is designated for athletes experiencing lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies, or reduced muscle power. Dhankar’s performance was a highlight on a day that saw India accumulate a total of six medals, marking one of the country’s most successful days at the competition.
Athletics and Weightlifting Success
Beyond Dhankar’s historic gold, India’s medal haul in athletics continued with Sarvesh Kushare. Kushare clinched a silver medal in the men’s high jump event at the Scotstoun Stadium. He successfully cleared 2.25m, but after three unsuccessful attempts at 2.28m, he settled for silver. Romaine Beckford of Jamaica secured the gold medal in the same event.
Another Indian athlete, Shilpa K. Shyla, also earned a medal in the women’s shot put F57 event, securing a bronze. This medal was confirmed after a post-match protest and review led to Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi having her mark stripped.
Indian weightlifters also contributed significantly to the country’s medal tally. Valluri Ajaya Babu earned a silver medal in the men’s 79kg competition, finishing just 1kg behind Malaysia’s Muhammad Erry Hidayat, who took the gold. Gyaneshwari Yadav added another silver for India in the women’s 53kg event, achieving career-best lifts on her Commonwealth Games debut. Additionally, Bindyarani Devi secured a bronze medal in the 58kg class, bringing India’s weightlifting medal count to six.
Boxing Progress and Other Performances
Indian boxing saw several athletes advance in their respective categories. Sachin Siwach, Ankush, and Sakshi Chaudhary all progressed to the quarterfinals after securing victories. Lovlina Borgohain is also guaranteed a medal in the women’s 75kg event, having received a quarter-final bye.
However, not all events yielded medals for India. Sprinter Gurindervir Singh did not qualify for the 100m semifinals. Hurdler Tejas Shirse finished last in the 110m hurdles final, competing with an injury. Shirse stated that he suffered a Navicular stress fracture in his left leg during warm-up but chose to compete after having it taped, as he was the first Indian to qualify for the 110m hurdles final in the Commonwealth Games.
In swimming, athletes including Sajan Prakash, Aryan Nehra, and para-swimmer Swatik Patil did not finish among the medalists. As of the latest update, India’s total medal count at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games stands at 10, comprising 2 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
The achievements of athletes like Sharmila Dhankar and Sarvesh Kushare, alongside the strong performances in weightlifting and boxing, have contributed to a memorable period for India at the Games. The F57 category, in which Dhankar competed, highlights the diverse range of events and the inclusivity of the Commonwealth Games, providing a platform for athletes with various impairments to showcase their talents.
The success in Glasgow underscores the dedication and hard work of the Indian contingent across multiple disciplines. The medal haul on this particular day demonstrates the depth of talent within the Indian team, with both seasoned athletes and debutants contributing to the country’s overall performance. The Games continue to be a significant event for athletes to achieve personal bests and make national history, as seen with Dhankar’s gold medal.
Source: newsonair.gov.in
