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Jhandu Kumar's Historic Bronze Opens India's CWG Account
26 Jul
Summary
- Jhandu Kumar won bronze in para powerlifting heavyweight event.
- He previously drove an e-rickshaw to support his family.
- His medal secured India's first podium finish at the games.
Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar has etched his name in history by securing India's inaugural medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 29-year-old athlete claimed the bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event, marking a significant moment for the nation's contingent.
Kumar's triumph is a remarkable narrative of perseverance. He previously earned a living driving an e-rickshaw in Bihar to assist his vegetable vendor father. His journey to the Commonwealth Games podium embodies immense strength and unwavering determination.
Competing in Group B of the fiercely contested heavyweight category, Jhandu produced a successful 190kg lift on his second attempt, accumulating 130.9 points. This score was sufficient to secure the bronze medal, despite narrowly missing a heavier lift on his final attempt.
Nigeria's Riluwan Idris secured the gold medal, while England's Matthew Harding claimed silver by a narrow margin. Jhandu's bronze medal opened India's account at the Games after a day of near misses, turning potential disappointment into celebration.
