India, July 29 -- Sharmila Dhankar, a woman who was impaired by polio at the age of two and survived the trauma of an abusive marriage, became India's first para-athlete to clinch a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, winning the women's shot put F57 event here.

The 40-year-old produced her season's best throw of 9.81m to end India's 20-year wait for a para-athletics medal in the CWG.

Compatriot Shilpa Shyla, was awarded the bronze medal following an Indian protest amid controversial circumstances. Shyla had produced a personal best effort of 7.26m. "I am very happy. The feeling has not yet sunk in; maybe it will take another two-three days. My mother fought the world to help me fulfil my dreams. My next target is a gold at the Asian ...