Sharmila Dhankar wins historic para athletics gold at Commonwealth Games

India's medal tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 crossed double digits on Day 5, powered by a historic gold from para athlete Sharmila Dhankar. Her victory in the women's para athletics event marked India's first-ever gold in the category at these Games.

The 28-year-old from Haryana delivered a performance that left the stadium in no doubt. Officials confirmed her throw met the qualifying mark with ease, though exact distances are yet to be formally released by the Games organisers.

A journey marked by struggle

Dhankar's path to the podium was anything but smooth. Reports suggest she endured severe personal hardship, including alleged domestic abuse. One source quoted her saying she was "beaten from 11 pm to 3 am" during her marriage, a period she later escaped to focus on athletics.

She took up para sports after a life-altering incident left her with a disability. Her coach, who has worked with her for over three years, told local media that her mental toughness sets her apart. "She never gave up, even when things were darkest," he said.

The athlete herself has not publicly commented on her past in detail since the win. However, her story has resonated widely, with social media users praising her resilience.

India's medal rush on Day 5

The country added six medals on Monday, taking the overall tally to 10. Besides Dhankar's gold, Indian athletes secured medals in track and field, shooting, and weightlifting events.

• Two silver medals came from the men's 400m hurdles and women's discus throw.
• Three bronze medals were clinched in shooting, mixed doubles badminton, and men's heavyweight weightlifting.

Day 5 saw competitions stretch into an all-nighter, with several events finishing past midnight local time. India Today described it as an "entertaining all-nighter" for fans back home.

Shooting and badminton shine

India's shooting contingent continued its strong run. The mixed team event in 10m air rifle yielded a bronze, adding to the country's growing collection in the discipline. Badminton also contributed, with the mixed doubles pair securing a hard-fought bronze.

Weightlifting saw a bronze in the men's +109kg category. The lifter, a debutant at the Games, lifted a personal best in the clean and jerk to secure third place.

What to watch next

India will aim to build on this momentum on Day 6, with key events in boxing, wrestling, and athletics. The women's 4x400m relay team is also expected to be a strong medal contender. Officials have not yet confirmed the full schedule for the day, but early heats begin at 9 AM local time.