Bihar’s Jhandu Kumar secures India’s first para powerlifting medal at Commonwealth Games

By Rohan Gupta — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

Jhandu Kumar’s Commonwealth Games Triumph

Jhandu Kumar, a para powerlifter from Bihar, secured India’s first para powerlifting medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He earned a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight event. This achievement marks a significant milestone for India in the competition.

His performance included a lift of 190kg in his second attempt, which contributed to his 130.9 points, placing him on the podium. He began his medal-winning effort with a successful lift of 181kg. Kumar also attempted a lift of 196kg, which would have set a new Commonwealth Games record, but he was unable to complete it.

The Commonwealth Games saw other Indian athletes compete in para powerlifting events. In the men’s lightweight final, Ashok Malik finished fourth with a personal best lift of 200kg, while Paramjeet Kumar placed seventh. For the women, Jaspreet Kaur secured sixth place, Suman Devi finished seventh, and Kasthuri Rajamani did not register a valid lift in the heavyweight final.

A Journey of Perseverance

Jhandu Kumar’s path to the Commonwealth Games podium was marked by considerable challenges. He was affected by polio at the age of five, and subsequently faced both physical and financial difficulties. His family’s vegetable shop in Harnaut Bazaar, Nalanda district, experienced a temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic due to construction work on an overbridge.

To support his family during this period, Kumar took on the role of an e-rickshaw driver. Despite these demanding circumstances, he maintained his commitment to training. He would travel approximately 20km daily to Bihar Sharif to purchase vegetables, return to sell them, and then proceed to the gym for training after finishing work around 4 pm.

Financial constraints were a constant factor in his life. His daily earnings of Rs 400-500 were often barely sufficient for household expenses, while protein supplements alone cost nearly Rs 1,000. In 2023, he made the decision to sell his e-rickshaw to fund his participation in the National Para Powerlifting Championships. Although his initial attempt at the championships did not result in a successful lift, this decision ultimately led to a significant turning point in his career.

Breakthrough and Support

Following his participation in the National Para Powerlifting Championships, Jhandu Kumar attracted the attention of national coach Rajinder Singh Rahelu. This led to an invitation for Kumar to train at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, an opportunity that proved transformative for his athletic career.

After this, he achieved a silver medal at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games. His success continued with further medals at both national and international competitions, including a bronze medal at the Asia-Oceania Open Para Powerlifting Championships. Kumar expressed gratitude for the support he received, acknowledging the role of the Sports Authority of India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) in his journey.

The bronze medal in Glasgow represents not only a sporting achievement for Jhandu Kumar but also a testament to his determination and perseverance. He stated that he felt as if he was “flying” after receiving his first medal and that his sole focus during the competition was to win. He also indicated his intention to strive for even better results in the future.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com