Commonwealth Games 2026: India Wins Second Gold as Sharmila Dhankhar Triumphs; Sarvesh Kushare Creates High Jump History

India enjoyed another memorable day at the Commonwealth Games 2026, with Sharmila Dhankhar clinching the country's second gold medal in the women's F57 para shot put event. Sharmila registered a season-best throw of 9.81 metres, while Sarvesh Kushare scripted history by becoming the first Indian high jumper to win a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

With multiple podium finishes across athletics and weightlifting, India's medal tally reached 10, strengthening its position in the competition.

Sharmila Dhankhar Delivers India's Second Gold

Competing in the women's F57 para shot put category, Sharmila Dhankhar produced her best performance of the season with a throw of 9.81 metres to secure the gold medal.

India celebrated another podium finish in the same event as Shilpa K. Shaila claimed the bronze medal after officials revised the results following India's successful objection. Shilpa's 7.26-metre personal-best throw was eventually recognized as medal-winning after a rival athlete's attempt was ruled a foul.

Sharmila's Inspirational Journey

Sharmila's gold medal is a remarkable story of determination and resilience.

Born in Haryana's Mahendragarh district, she was affected by polio at the age of two. Raised in a financially struggling family, she faced numerous hardships, including an early marriage and later being forced to rebuild her life after separation.

Determined to pursue para-athletics, she began training at the age of 34. To continue her sporting journey, Sharmila and her family even sold their house in 2023 to finance her training before shifting to a rented home.

With support from her husband Ajit and coaches, she transformed years of struggle into Commonwealth Games gold.

Sarvesh Kushare Creates Indian Athletics History

Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare delivered another landmark performance by winning the silver medal after clearing 2.25 metres.

Although he narrowly missed clearing 2.28 metres, his silver medal made him the first Indian athlete to finish on the Commonwealth Games podium in the men's high jump.

The achievement comes after an outstanding season in which Sarvesh:

Won bronze at the Monaco Diamond League

Broke the national high jump record with a leap of 2.31 metres

Became the first Indian to reach the men's high jump final at the World Athletics Championships

From Farm Fields to International Podium

Sarvesh's journey reflects years of perseverance.

Hailing from Maharashtra's Nashik district, the son of an onion farmer practiced high jump using a makeshift landing pit created from corn husks and cotton because professional facilities were unavailable.

His dedication has now earned India a historic Commonwealth Games silver medal.

Ajay Babu, Gyaneshwari and Bindyarani Add More Medals

India's medal haul continued to grow in weightlifting.

Ajay Babu Valluri won silver in the men's 79kg category after lifting a combined 330kg, missing the gold medal by just 1kg.

Gyaneshwari Yadav secured silver in the women's 53kg event.

Bindyarani Devi added another bronze in the women's 58kg category.

These performances further strengthened India's position in the Commonwealth Games medal standings.

India's Medal Momentum Continues

With two gold medals and consistent podium finishes across athletics, para-sports and weightlifting, India continues to build momentum at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Sharmila Dhankhar's inspiring triumph and Sarvesh Kushare's historic silver have emerged as two of the biggest highlights of India's campaign, raising hopes for more medals in the days ahead.