Sharmila Dhankar created history on Monday by becoming the first Indian para athlete to win a gold medal in athletics at the Commonwealth Games, claiming the top spot in the women's F57 shot put event.

The 40-year-old delivered a season-best throw of 9.81 metres, securing India's maiden gold medal in Commonwealth Games para athletics and ending the country's two-decade wait for a medal in the discipline.

The landmark achievement marked another milestone for India's growing success in international para sports.

Season-Best Throw Seals Historic Gold

Dhankar remained consistent throughout the competition before producing her best effort of 9.81m, which proved enough to secure the gold medal.

Competing in the F57 classification, which includes athletes with lower-limb impairments, limb deficiencies or reduced muscle power, the Indian athlete outperformed a competitive field to finish at the top of the podium.

Her victory also came after an impressive season that included a gold medal at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship earlier this year.

India Adds Bronze After Successful Protest

India's medal tally in the event increased after Shilpa Shyla was upgraded to the bronze medal following a successful protest by the Indian contingent.

Shyla had initially finished fourth despite recording a personal-best throw of 7.26 metres.

Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi, who was originally placed third, lost her bronze medal after officials reviewed the competition and ruled that her only valid throw was a foul.

Following the review, Shyla was elevated to the bronze medal position.

Reports suggested that Nigeria could file a counter protest against the decision.

Emotional Celebration for Indian Athletes

The revised result sparked emotional scenes as Shyla celebrated alongside Dhankar after officially being awarded the bronze medal.

India thus finished the women's F57 shot put event with two medals, adding further significance to Dhankar's historic gold-medal performance.

Journey of Determination

Dhankar contracted polio in her left leg at the age of two but continued pursuing athletics despite physical challenges.

She represented India at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she narrowly missed a podium finish after ending fourth.

Her gold-medal performance in Glasgow marks a significant improvement and establishes her among India's leading para athletes on the international stage.

Major Milestone for Indian Para Sports

Dhankar's victory is expected to provide further momentum to India's para athletics programme, which has witnessed rapid progress in recent years across Paralympic and international competitions.

The historic achievement also highlights the increasing depth of Indian para sport, with athletes continuing to deliver strong performances at major global events.