Shilpa Shyla

Shilpa Shyla
Personal information
Full nameShilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla
NationalityIndian
Born (1989-02-25) 25 February 1989
Karnataka, India
OccupationTeacher
Sport
SportPara-athletics
F57
Events
Shot put, Discus throw
Medal record
Women's para-athletics
Representing  India
Commonwealth Games
Bronze medal – third place2026 GlasgowShot put F57

Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla (born 25 February 1989)[1] is an Indian para-athlete who competes in the shot put and discus throw events in the F57 classification. She won the bronze medal in the women's shot put F57 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Early life

Shilpa Shyla was born in an agricultural family Kanchugarakoppalu village in Mysuru district of Karnataka and belongs to a farming family.[2][3] She lost one of her legs in a motor accident at the age of four.[2] She completed Master of Arts and Bachelor of Education, and moved to Mysuru after taking up a teaching position at a private school in 2019.[2][3]

Shyla initially took up the sport of sitting volleyball. She later switched to para-athletics in 2023 on the advice of her volleyball coach, Raghavendra. She specialised in the seated throwing events of shot put and discus throw.[2][3]

Career

Shyla competes in the F57 disability classification. She won the bronze medal in the women's javelin throw F42/45/46/64 event at the 2023 World Abilitysport Games held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.[4] She had won multiple medals including a gold, and two silvers at the Indian National Para Athletics Championships. She won gold in shot put in the 2nd Khelo India Para Games in New Delhi in 2025.[3] She won gold medals in shot put in the World Para Athletics Grand Prix events in New Delhi in 2025 and 2026, and a bronze in discus throw in the World Para Athletics Grand Prix event in Dubai in February 2026.[3]

Shyla was part of the Indian contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. At the Commonwealth Games, she competed in the women's shot put F57 event. She recorded a personal-best throw of 7.26 m (23.8 ft) in her third attempt and initially finished fourth.[5][6] However, following the conclusion of the competition, the Indian contingent challenged the validity of Nigerian athlete Eucharia Iyiazi's only legal throw. After an official review, the attempt was ruled a foul and Iyiazi was disqualified from the final standings. As a result, Shyla was upgraded to the bronze medal.[7][8] As compatriot Sharmila Dhankar had earlier won the gold medal in the same event, this was India's first-ever double podium finish in a para-athletics event at the Games.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Shilpa KANCHUGARAKOPPALU SHYLA". Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Mysuru's para athlete Shilpa makes it to Commonwealth Games". Star of Mysore. 18 July 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "India at CWG 2026: Know Your Athlete – Shilpa KS (Para Athletics)". The Times of India. 21 July 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  4. ↑ Results, 2023 World Abilitysport Games (PDF) (Report). World Abilitysport Games. p. 13. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
  5. ↑ "Sharmila Dhankar And Shilpa K Shyla Highlights Commonwealth Games: Sharmila Wins Gold Medal, Shilpa Bags Late Bronze". Outlook. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Sharmila Dhankar wins gold, Shilpa Shyla bronze in para shot put at CWG 2026". The Indian Express. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  7. ↑ "Why Shilpa Shyla was upgraded to CWG bronze after finishing fourth". The Hindustan Times. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  8. ↑ "Historic Podium Finish: Shilpa K Shyla Secures Brilliant Bronze With Late Twist In Glasgow". Outlook. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.