On Saturday (July 25, 2026), Indian para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar opened India's medal account at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 (CWG 2026) by winning a bronze medal in the men's heavyweight category. Competing in the 72.4 kg weight class, Jhandu secured this maiden medal for the country by lifting 190 kg in his second attempt. Although his third attempt of 196 kg for the gold medal was unsuccessful due to a minor technical error, his achievement has won the hearts of the entire nation.
Who is Jhandu Kumar?
This achievement by Jhandu Kumar represents more than just a sports medal; it is a historic victory over poverty, physical disability, and societal barriers. Hailing from Harnaut village in Bihar’s Nalanda district, Jhandu comes from a very humble background; his father sells vegetables. Jhandu contracted polio when he was just five years old.
In his childhood, he had to move around by dragging himself along the ground or sitting. His family had spent their entire life's savings on his treatment. Amidst this financial hardship and illness, acquaintances of his father would taunt him, saying, "Your son has ruined everything—he has squandered all the money." That very bitter taunt eventually became his name. Jhandu once even tried to change his name to Avinash Kumar, but when he visited a government office, officials mocked him upon seeing his old name. Subsequently, he resolved to forge an identity under that very name and change people's perceptions.
Due to a poor financial situation, Jhandu did not even have the money to buy the nutrition required for his sport. He used to travel about 20 kilometers to sell vegetables in the local market. Later, he borrowed money from friends to buy an e-rickshaw to support his family, but his work came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially, Jhandu was not into powerlifting; instead, he was trying his hand at shot put and discus throw. In 2017, he even won several medals at the district and state levels in the F55 category. However, his interest shifted towards powerlifting during strength training sessions at the gym, and during a state championship, he was advised to pursue a career in the sport.
Jhandu Kumar journey from national record to Commonwealth medal
He began training at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence. Since then, Jhandu has never looked back. He set a new national record by lifting 205 kg at the 2025 National Championship; just a few months later, he broke his own record by lifting 206 kg at the Khelo India Para Games. Additionally, he won bronze medals at the 2025 Beijing World Cup and the 2026 Asian and Oceania Championships.
Speaking at a Sports Authority of India event, an emotional Jhandu said, "I am so happy that I haven't been able to sleep since last night; I just can't sleep." Reflecting on his failed final attempt of 196 kg, he remarked that had he not executed the initial lifts correctly, his confidence might have been shattered. Although the gold medal slipped from his grasp due to rushing his breathing, he has no regrets about it.
