Sharmila Dhankar, Jhandu Kumar set sights on Para Asian Games glory after CWG Glasgow heroics
NEW DELHI: One scripted history with a gold medal, the other announced India’s campaign with a gritty bronze. Together, Sharmila Dhankar and Jhandu Kumar embodied the resilience behind India’s record-breaking para sport performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the two medallists made it clear that their journey is far from complete.
Felicitated by the Paralympic Committee of India in New Delhi for their achievements, the duo reflected on the sacrifices behind their medals while shifting their focus firmly towards the Para Asian Games and the ultimate Paralympics.
For Sharmila, Glasgow was a story of redemption. Four years after narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place finish in shot put in Birmingham, the 40-year-old produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to become India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games para athletics gold medallist, ending a 20-year wait for a medal in the discipline.
“I was confident because I knew how well I had prepared,” Sharmila said. “Even before the Games, I believed I could win gold. And if not, I knew I had done everything possible through hard work.”
The conditions, however, tested every athlete. Glasgow’s chilly weather threatened to derail her rhythm before the competition had even begun.“It was extremely cold and I was worried my body would tighten up. But I managed to execute my throws well, and that helped me win the gold medal.”
The victory meant much more than a personal milestone. It completed one of Indian sport’s most remarkable comeback stories, with Sharmila rising from years of personal hardship to stand atop a Commonwealth podium.
Now, the target has already moved. “I don’t want to return empty-handed from the Para Asian Games . No matter how tough the competition is, my aim is to win a medal.”
Sharmila was equally quick to acknowledge the people who made the journey possible. “My coach and my husband have been my biggest support. Whenever we travel, the entire Indian team and support staff make sure we have everything we need, so we can focus only on performing.”
If Sharmila’s gold became one of Glasgow’s defining moments, Jhandu Kumar’s bronze carried its own significance. The para powerlifter from Bihar opened India’s medal tally in Glasgow with a best lift of 190kg in the men’s heavyweight category, overcoming a childhood affected by polio and years of financial struggle.
For Jhandu, the medal represented validation more than relief.
Despite the celebrations, neither athlete is dwelling on Glasgow. The Para Asian Games sit at the centre of their plans, with Los Angeles 2028 already looming in the distance. “Right now, everything is about the Asian Games,” Jhandu said. “After that comes the Paralympics, and we want to bring more medals for India.” He has already set himself another long-term goal. “I won bronze this time. In Ahmedabad 2030 , I want to turn that bronze into gold.”
The felicitation ceremony celebrated India’s finest-ever Commonwealth para campaign, where the contingent returned with seven medals, three gold, two silver and two bronze surpassing every previous edition. Yet, listening to Sharmila and Jhandu, it was evident the medals were viewed less as an ending than a starting point.
Both champions walked away with the same message: Glasgow brought history, but the bigger chapters are still waiting to be written.
Felicitated by the Paralympic Committee of India in New Delhi for their achievements, the duo reflected on the sacrifices behind their medals while shifting their focus firmly towards the Para Asian Games and the ultimate Paralympics.
For Sharmila, Glasgow was a story of redemption. Four years after narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place finish in shot put in Birmingham, the 40-year-old produced a season-best throw of 9.81 metres to become India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games para athletics gold medallist, ending a 20-year wait for a medal in the discipline.
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“I was confident because I knew how well I had prepared,” Sharmila said. “Even before the Games, I believed I could win gold. And if not, I knew I had done everything possible through hard work.”
The conditions, however, tested every athlete. Glasgow’s chilly weather threatened to derail her rhythm before the competition had even begun.“It was extremely cold and I was worried my body would tighten up. But I managed to execute my throws well, and that helped me win the gold medal.”
The victory meant much more than a personal milestone. It completed one of Indian sport’s most remarkable comeback stories, with Sharmila rising from years of personal hardship to stand atop a Commonwealth podium.
Now, the target has already moved. “I don’t want to return empty-handed from the Para Asian Games . No matter how tough the competition is, my aim is to win a medal.”
Sharmila was equally quick to acknowledge the people who made the journey possible. “My coach and my husband have been my biggest support. Whenever we travel, the entire Indian team and support staff make sure we have everything we need, so we can focus only on performing.”
If Sharmila’s gold became one of Glasgow’s defining moments, Jhandu Kumar’s bronze carried its own significance. The para powerlifter from Bihar opened India’s medal tally in Glasgow with a best lift of 190kg in the men’s heavyweight category, overcoming a childhood affected by polio and years of financial struggle.
For Jhandu, the medal represented validation more than relief.
Despite the celebrations, neither athlete is dwelling on Glasgow. The Para Asian Games sit at the centre of their plans, with Los Angeles 2028 already looming in the distance. “Right now, everything is about the Asian Games,” Jhandu said. “After that comes the Paralympics, and we want to bring more medals for India.” He has already set himself another long-term goal. “I won bronze this time. In Ahmedabad 2030 , I want to turn that bronze into gold.”
The felicitation ceremony celebrated India’s finest-ever Commonwealth para campaign, where the contingent returned with seven medals, three gold, two silver and two bronze surpassing every previous edition. Yet, listening to Sharmila and Jhandu, it was evident the medals were viewed less as an ending than a starting point.
Both champions walked away with the same message: Glasgow brought history, but the bigger chapters are still waiting to be written.
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