Sharmila Dhankar’s remarkable path from a victim of domestic abuse to earning a medal at the Commonwealth Games culminated in her winning bronze in the women’s Shot Put F57 event in Glasgow. The athlete, aged 40 and hailing from Haryana, achieved a season-best throw of 9.81m, marking a significant milestone in her career. This achievement also ended a two-decade wait for a para-athletics medal for India at the Commonwealth Games.

Before departing for Glasgow, Dhankar expressed a desire for her story to inspire other women facing similar challenges. She aimed to demonstrate that life can take a positive turn, urging victims of abuse to find their strength. “If I win a medal, my story might just inspire them to believe it’s never really over,” she stated to the media.

Dhankar’s introduction to sports was atypical. During an interview, she shared her initial reluctance about pursuing athletics due to her polio-affected leg and her age. However, with encouragement from her husband, Ajit Singh, she began her para-athletics journey, transforming her life through sport.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Support

Born in Chhithroli village, Haryana, Sharmila faced numerous hurdles from an early age. Contracting polio at just two years old severely limited her physical abilities. Throughout her early adulthood, she endured a challenging marriage marked by domestic abuse, and she ultimately returned to her family with her two children. Dhankar’s life began to change for the better when she remarried Ajit Singh, who introduced her to para athletics in 2020 under the guidance of coach Tek Chand.

Incredibly, within just a year of starting the sport, she became the national champion in her category. Her journey continued forward, and she claimed gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship earlier this year, displaying her growing prowess as one of India’s leading F57 throwers.

Dhankar’s previous experiences at events like the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, where she finished fourth despite setting a national record, pushed her to strive for excellence. She had also faced challenges at the Asian Para Games and the World Para Athletics Championships, amplifying the significance of her performance in Glasgow.

A Moment of Triumph

In Glasgow, Dhankar seized the moment, achieving a throw over the 9m mark not just once, but on all six attempts. Her third-round throw of 9.81m secured the bronze medal, showcasing her determination and skill. This performance marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, especially notable given that she began her sporting career later than most of her competitors.

Before competing, Dhankar conveyed her aspirations to secure a medal to help improve her family’s financial situation. The success she achieved on Tuesday brought her step closer to realising that dream, aligning with her motivation to enhance her family’s quality of life.

Following her victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dhankar, recognising her significant accomplishment. Her story resonates beyond mere numbers or medals; it is about resilience and determination. From battling childhood polio to triumphing as a Commonwealth Games medallist, Dhankar’s journey underscores the transformative power of perseverance.

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