Commonwealth Games: Jhandu Kumar wins India’s first medal in para powerlifting

Mangalore Today News Network

Glasgow, Jul 25, 2026: Jhandu Kumar overcame a childhood marked by polio, poverty and years of odd jobs to open Indian’s account at Commonwealth Games by fetching men’s heavyweight para powerlifting bronze.

The 28-year-old amassed 130.9 points to finish on the podium after successfully lifting 181kg and 190kg. He failed his final attempt of 196kg.

The other Indian in the fray Sudhir (114.1) finished sixth.

Nigeria’s Idris Riluwan scored 132.8 points to win the gold while Matthew Harding (131) took home the silver medal.

Kumar’s triumph capped a remarkable rise from Harnaut village in Bihar’s Nalanda district, where he helped his parents sell vegetables to support the family after contracting polio at the age of five.

With little financial backing, Kumar initially took up weight training between 2010 and 2012 simply to build strength before trying shot put and javelin. He eventually found his calling in para powerlifting.

The biggest hurdle, however, came outside the gym.

Unable to afford the nutrition required for elite competition, Kumar ran a small vegetable business, travelling nearly 20 kilometres to local markets despite not owning a wheelchair. He later borrowed money from friends to buy an e-rickshaw to earn a livelihood, but those plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

His perseverance eventually paid off as he climbed onto the Commonwealth Games podium, giving India an early boost in the para sports programme.

"I can’t express my happiness. First of all, I’ll call my parents at home. And Gautam bhaiya, who was my first companion, whom I’ve practiced with since my childhood," said Kumar after the podium finish.