New Delhi, July 30 -- Sharmila Dhankar's historic Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow marked the culmination of a journey shaped by childhood polio, domestic abuse and an extraordinary return to life through sport.

The 40-year-old para athlete from Haryana won the women's shot put F57 title with a season-best throw of 9.81 metres, becoming India's first Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics. Her victory also ended a 20-year wait for an Indian medal in the discipline.

But for Dhankar, the medal represented more than sporting success.

Speaking to The Indian Express minutes after her victory, the athlete said she hoped her journey would encourage women facing abuse to stand up for themselves.

She said, "Mere ko nangi kar ke ...