Sharmila Dhankar’s name has become a symbol of courage and determination in India. Born in a small village in Haryana, she faced polio at the age of two, a challenge that could have ended her dreams before they even began. But Sharmila chose a different path. With the support of her family and her own strong will, she rose to become India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para-athletics in July 2026.
Her path goes beyond records and medals. It is about overcoming obstacles, inspiring millions of women and athletes nationwide, and breaking down barriers. From her early struggles with health and personal hardships to her shining moment on the international stage, Sharmila’s story is one that deserves to be told in detail.
Sharmila Dhankar Age, Husband, Career, Family, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sharmila Dhankar |
| Profession | Para-athlete (Shot Put, Discus Throw) |
| Date of Birth | 15 August 1986 |
| Age (As of 2026) | 39 Years |
| Birth Place | Chitrauli, Mahendragarh, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Current Residence | Haryana, India |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Ajit Singh |
| Children | Two daughters – Anuj and Laxmi |
| Famous For | First Indian woman to win Commonwealth Games gold in para-athletics (2026) |
| Category | F57 (Seated athletes with lower-limb impairment) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Skin Tone | Brown |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Wikipedia | @Sharmila_Dhankar |
| @dhankhersharmila/ |
Early Life and Childhood
Sharmila was born on 15 August 1986 in Chitrauli village, Mahendragarh district, Haryana. Her childhood was marked by challenges. At the age of two, she was diagnosed with polio, which affected her leg and limited her mobility. Growing up in a farming family, she was surrounded by simple village life, where hard work and resilience were part of everyday living.
Her father, Jai Lal, was a farmer who passed away when Sharmila was still young. Her mother, Santosh Devi, became the pillar of strength for the family. Despite financial struggles, her mother ensured that Sharmila received love and care, which helped her grow into a confident young woman.
Family Background & Personal Life
Sharmila comes from a close-knit rural family. Her roots in Haryana shaped her values of hard work, honesty, and resilience. She has a brother named Amit Gujjar, who has always stood by her side.
Sharmila’s personal life has been full of ups and downs, much like her athletic journey. At the age of 19, she entered into her first marriage. Unfortunately, this relationship was marked by domestic abuse and hardship. The young athlete found herself struggling not only with her disability but also with the challenges of a troubled marriage. Later, Sharmila found love and support again when she married Ajit Singh. Together, Sharmila and Ajit are raising two daughters, Anuj and Laxmi.
Entry into Para-Athletics
Sharmila’s entry into para-athletics came relatively late in her life. In 2020, she began training under coach Tek Chand in Rewari, Haryana. Despite her disability and age, she showed remarkable dedication and quickly adapted to the demands of professional training.
She competes in the F57 category, which is for seated athletes with lower-limb impairments. Her main events are shot put and discus throw. What makes her journey unique is that she started competing internationally within just a few years of training, proving her natural talent and hard work.
National and International Career Highlights
- In the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, she set a national record with a throw of 8.43m in shot put, finishing fourth. Though she missed a medal, this performance put her on the map.
- In 2024, she won a bronze medal at the Bhutan National Para Championships.
- In 2025, she competed at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, finishing fifth with a throw of 10.03m.
- In early 2026, she shone at the Fazza International in Dubai, winning gold in shot put and bronze in discus throw.
- Her biggest achievement came in July 2026 at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where she won gold with a throw of 9.81m, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in para-athletics.
See Also:- Gyaneshwari Yadav
Physical Attributes and Fitness
Sharmila Dhankar is known not only for her achievements but also for her dedication to fitness. At 39 years of age (as of 2025), she continues to train with discipline and passion. Sharmila has black eyes and black hair, and her strong build reflects years of hard work in athletics.
Her lifestyle now heavily incorporates fitness. She spends hours in the gym, focusing on strength training and conditioning. Her commitment to fitness is not just about winning medals but also about staying healthy and proving that women with disabilities can lead active, strong lives.
Overcoming Challenges
Sharmila’s journey has been full of challenges. She has experienced everything, from fighting polio as a child to dealing with emotional and financial difficulties. Her first marriage was marked by abuse, and she had to rebuild her life from scratch with her two daughters.
Her husband Ajit Singh’s sacrifices, including selling their house to fund her training, gave her the chance to chase her dreams. Sharmila’s story is a reminder that success often comes after years of struggle. She turned her pain into power and became a role model for millions.
Recognition and Legacy
Winning the gold medal at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games was a historic moment not just for Sharmila but for India. She won a gold medal in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games, making history as the first Indian woman to do so.
Her legacy goes beyond medals. She has inspired countless women, especially from rural areas, to believe in themselves. She has shown that disability is not a barrier to success. Her journey is now studied as an example of resilience and determination in Indian sports.
Social Media Presence
Sharmila is active on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares glimpses of her training, competitions, and family life. Her posts often show her working out in the gym, spending time with her daughters, or enjoying simple moments at home.
She also uses social media to inspire others. By sharing her journey, she connects with fans and motivates young athletes. Her love for animals is also visible, as she often posts pictures with her pet dog.
Interesting Facts About Sharmila Dhankar
- She has a tattoo on her left arm.
- She faced domestic abuse in her first marriage but rebuilt her life courageously.
- Her training was financed by her spouse selling their home.
- She is a fitness enthusiast and spends hours in the gym.
- Sharmila loves animals and has a puppy as a pet.
Read Also:- Tejas Shirse
