India, July 22 -- "Gold". If there's a word Sharmila Dhankar repeats almost subconsciously when speaking to the press and to herself, it's this. The proverbial glitter has, for years, fired her imagination, offering promise for a life far removed from the horrific days of domestic abuse and thoughts of self harm.

The 40-year-old will represent India in the para shot put (F57) event at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and when she hurls the 3kg iron ball next week in Glasgow, Sharmila will hope to rid herself of the crushing weight of misfortune that has beset her life.

"I won't settle for anything less than gold. It can change my life," she said, referring to the fortune and fame that come with it. "I had a tough childhood. My father wa...