CWG 2026 Day 5: Sharmila Dhanckhar Wins Gold as India Bags 6 Medals

The fifth day of the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow proved to be a momentous occasion for the Indian contingent as athletes delivered a series of power-packed performances. India successfully added 6 medals to its tally on this single day, comprising 1 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals. This surge has taken India's total medal count to 10, showcasing the growing prowess of Indian sports on the international stage. The day was highlighted by historic achievements in para-athletics and consistent dominance in weightlifting and track and field events.

Sharmila Dhanckhar Scripts History in Para Shot Put

The standout performer of the day was Sharmila Dhanckhar, who secured India's second gold medal of these Commonwealth Games. 81 meters. This distance not only secured her the top spot on the podium but also marked her personal best performance of the year. By clinching this gold, Sharmila has etched her name in the history books as the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games. Her victory is particularly significant as it ends a long 20-year drought for India in para-athletics medals at this prestigious event. On top of that, she has become the first Indian woman to ever win a para-athletics medal at the Commonwealth Games, following in the footsteps of Mirabai Chanu, who won India's first gold in this edition.

Double Success in Para Shot Put for India

The women's para shot put F57 event brought double joy for India. While Sharmila Dhanckhar took the gold, her compatriot Shilpa K. Shayla also found a place on the podium. Initially, Shilpa was positioned at the fourth spot. However, the competition took a dramatic turn when the first attempt of Nigerian athlete Eucharia Iyiazi was canceled, and subsequently, none of her throws were deemed valid. This disqualification of the Nigerian competitor's attempts resulted in Shilpa K. Shayla being promoted to the third position, earning her the bronze medal. This unexpected but well-deserved turn of events ensured that India walked away with two medals from a single para-athletics event.

Sarvesh Kushare and Weightlifters Shine

In the track and field arena, Sarvesh Kushare made the nation proud by winning a silver medal in the men's high jump competition. With this achievement, Kushare has become the first Indian athlete to ever win a medal in the high jump event at the Commonwealth Games, marking a significant milestone for Indian athletics. Meanwhile, the weightlifting arena continued to be a happy hunting ground for India. Valluri Ajay Babu secured a silver medal in the men's 79kg category. It was a heart-wrenching finish for Ajay Babu, as he missed out on the gold medal by a razor-thin margin of just 1 kilogram. His performance, however, underscored the high level of preparation and strength of Indian weightlifters.

Medal Tally and Overall Standings

The fifth day also saw Gyaneshwari Yadav winning a silver medal in the women's 53kg weightlifting category and Bindyarani Devi clinching a bronze in the women's 58kg weightlifting event. With these 6 additions, India's total medal count now stands at 10, consisting of 2 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals. In the overall medal standings, India currently occupies the 8th position. Australia continues to lead the table with a dominant performance, boasting a total of 42 medals, including 18 gold medals. The list of Indian medalists on Day 5 includes Sharmila Dhanckhar (Gold, Women's Para Shot Put F57), Gyaneshwari Yadav (Silver, Women's 53kg Weightlifting), Valluri Ajay Babu (Silver, Men's 79kg Weightlifting), Sarvesh Anil Kushare (Silver, Men's High Jump), Bindyarani Devi (Bronze, Women's 58kg Weightlifting), and Shilpa K Shayla (Bronze, Women's Para Shot Put F57).