Jhandu Kumar wins India's first medal at Commonwealth Games with bronze in para powerlifting

The para weightlifter from Bihar clinches bronze in the heavyweight category; head coach J.P. Singh appeals to the Central and State governments to provide a job for the medallist

Updated - July 25, 2026 06:57 pm IST | Glasgow

K. Keerthivasan

It is not easy being Jhandu Kumar.

For someone who has battled poverty for most of his life, winning the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games on Friday was nothing short of extraordinary. The event was held at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow.

Jhandu secured India’s first medal of the Games, amassing 130.9 points after successfully lifting 181 kg and 190 kg. The achievement came around 9:15 p.m. local time, when most people back home were asleep. However, the handful of Indian supporters and officials at the venue applauded an athlete whose journey to the podium has been paved with hardship and sacrifice.

• Gold: Idris Riluwan (Nigeria) – 132.8 points
• Silver: Matthew Harding (England) – 131 points
• Bronze: Jhandu Kumar (India) – 130.9 points

“I would like to thank my coaches and parents,” Jhandu said.

As each lifter let out a roar before attempting every bench press, Jhandu remained characteristically composed. There was little outward emotion from the Indian — perhaps he had long internalised the pain and struggles that life had thrown at him.

A Humble Beginning

Born in Harnaut, in Bihar’s Nalanda district, Jhandu comes from a humble family. The son of a vegetable vendor, he spent much of his childhood helping his parents. To supplement the family’s income, he also took up odd jobs and even drove an e-rickshaw after the family’s financial situation worsened.

When asked about those tough years, Jhandu paused for a moment. He could not say much, possibly reflecting on the difficulties endured by both him and his family.

Before he could respond, J.P. Singh, head coach of the Indian men’s and women’s para powerlifting team, stepped in with an emotional appeal.

“I request both the Central and State Governments to reward Jhandu appropriately and provide him with a job. He truly deserves it after everything he has gone through,” Singh told The Hindu.

A Turning Point

Jhandu’s life changed when Paralympic medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu spotted his talent and brought him to the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, where he has trained ever since. Watching his protege deliver India’s first medal of the Games was an emotional moment for the veteran coach.

A National champion while representing Bihar in the 72 kg category in 2024-25 — with a best lift of 205 kg — Jhandu established himself as one of India’s brightest prospects in the sport by winning a bronze medal at the 2025 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Beijing.

“He can do even better and win gold medals at the World Championships,” Rajinder said on Friday. “He has excellent technique and, more importantly, he is mentally very strong.”

Rajinder echoed those sentiments, praising Jhandu’s calm demeanour and quiet determination.

As Jhandu was wheeled away after patiently obliging every interview request, he quietly acknowledged the congratulations from volunteers, officials and passers-by with a gentle smile before disappearing into the Glasgow night.

Published - July 25, 2026 06:50 pm IST