The 40-year-old athlete achieved a season-best throw of 9.81m, concluding India’s two-decade wait for a para athletics medal in the CWG.
Another Indian competitor, Shilpa Shyla, was awarded the bronze medal following an official protest in a controversial turn of events. Shyla registered a personal best of 7.26m.
Initially, Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi was in third place, but after a protest and a review, her only valid throw was deemed a foul. This resulted in Shyla being moved up to bronze from her previous fourth position. However, a counter protest from Nigeria is expected to follow.
A tearful Shyla celebrated alongside Sharmila after the thrilling upgrade to bronze, giving India two medals from the event.
The F57 classification is designated for athletes with lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies, or reduced muscle strength.
Sharmila, who contracted polio in her left leg at the age of two, previously won a gold medal at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship this year. She also competed at the 2022 Birmingham Games, finishing in fourth place.
(Edited by : Vivek Dubey)
