Shot-putter Sharmila Dhankar clinches India's first ever para-athletics gold in CWG

Sharmila Dhankar, a woman who was impaired by polio at the age of two and survived the trauma of an abusive marriage, became India's first para-athlete to clinch a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, winning the women's shot put F57 event here. The.

Compatriot Shilpa Shyla, was awarded the bronze medal following an Indian protest amid controversial circumstances. Shyla had produced a personal best effort of 7.26m.

What Happened

Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi was initially placed at the bronze medal position but after a protest and official review, her only valid mark was adjudged a foul. That led to Shyla being upgraded to bronze from the initial fourth place.

• It was Ajit who encouraged Sharmila to begin her para athletics career in 2020 under the guidance of coach Tek Chand.

• She also took part in the 2022 Birmingham Games and finished fourth.

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Key Details

However, it is likely that a counter protest may also be launched by Nigeria. A sobbing Shyla celebrated, along with Sharmila, after the dramatic upgradation to bronze, giving India two medals from the event.

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Why It Matters

F57 classification is for athletes with lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies, or reduced muscle power. Sharmila's performance on Monday night is one for the ages not just for the result it yielded but the resolve that it took for her to come.

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What Reports Say

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