India celebrated its first official medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar clinched a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight category on Friday (local time).
Competing in the event at a body weight of 72.4 kg, Jhandu successfully lifted 190 kg on his second attempt. He came close to improving his tally with a 196 kg effort on his third lift, but narrowly missed it. Despite leading the competition for a significant period, he eventually secured the bronze medal, marking a memorable start to India’s medal campaign.
However, Jhandu’s achievement is much more than a podium finish—it is the story of determination, resilience and unwavering belief.
From Bihar Village to Commonwealth Games Podium
Jhandu Kumar hails from Harnaut village in Nalanda district of Bihar. Born into a humble family, he is the son of a vegetable vendor and has battled physical and financial hardships throughout his life.
Affected by polio since birth, Jhandu refused to let his disability define his future. Despite limited resources, he remained determined to pursue a career in sports and eventually rose to represent India on one of the biggest international stages.
Started His Sporting Journey in Athletics
Interestingly, para powerlifting was not Jhandu’s first sport.
He began his competitive journey in 2017, participating in the F55 category of shot put and discus throw. His performances earned him medals at both district and state-level competitions.
His passion for strength training gradually drew him towards powerlifting. During a state championship, coaches recognised his natural ability and encouraged him to switch to para powerlifting, a decision that transformed his sporting career.
Battling Poverty to Chase His Dream
Jhandu’s journey was far from easy.
Unable to afford the specialised nutrition required for elite athletes, he helped support his family by running a small vegetable business. Despite not owning a wheelchair, he travelled nearly 20 kilometres to nearby markets to earn a living.
To improve his financial situation, he borrowed money from friends to purchase an e-rickshaw. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans, creating yet another obstacle in his pursuit of sporting success.
Turning Point Under Paralympian Rajinder Singh Rahelu
Although Jhandu’s first National Championship did not produce the desired results, his immense potential caught the attention of Paralympic bronze medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu.
Recognising his talent, Rajinder invited him to train at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Gandhinagar.
Training under the experienced coach proved to be a turning point in Jhandu’s career, helping him emerge as one of India’s top para powerlifters.
National Records and International Success
Jhandu continued to make rapid progress on the national circuit.
- He lifted 205 kg to set a new national record at the National Championship 2025.
- Just a few months later, he bettered his own mark with a 206 kg lift at the Khelo India Para Games.
- Before the Commonwealth Games, he also won bronze medals at the Beijing World Cup 2025 and the Asian and Oceania Championships 2026.
His latest bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games is another milestone in a remarkable career built on perseverance and relentless hard work.
A Historic Medal for India
By winning bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event, Jhandu Kumar not only secured India’s first official medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 but also inspired millions with his extraordinary journey from a small village in Bihar to the international podium.
His story stands as a testament to resilience, proving that determination and hard work can overcome even the toughest challenges.