Commonwealth Games 2026: Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal at Glasgow, Says 'I Feel as if I'm Flying'
Jhandu Kumar lifted 181 kg and 190 kg before missing a final 196 kg attempt, finishing 0.1 points behind silver, officials said.
- On Friday, para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar secured India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing third in the men's heavyweight category with 130.9 points.
- Born in Bihar and a polio survivor, Jhandu overcame significant physical and financial hardships before Paralympic bronze medalist Rajinder Singh Rahelu invited him to train at the Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar.
- Competing in Group B, Jhandu successfully lifted 181kg and 190kg before failing his final 196kg attempt, which would have broken the meet record. Coach Rahelu noted, "We had targeted gold, but for some reason, it was missed."
- While Jhandu took bronze, other Indian competitors faced mixed results: Ashok finished fourth in the men's final with 143.8 points, while Jaspreet Kaur placed sixth in the women's lightweight category after lifting 100kg.
- Jhandu expressed gratitude to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme , stating, "I'm extremely grateful to them. We practice there, and this medal belongs to them, in a way." He vowed to perform better in future competitions.
38 Articles
38 Articles
'People laughed at my name': Jhandu's bronze a triumph over taunts and adversity
Jhandu Kumar: The Bihar para powerlifter overcame polio, poverty and years of ridicule over his name to win India's first Commonwealth Games medal. He now has his sights set on the Para Asian Games and the Paralympics.
The inspiring tale of Jhandu Kumar: From forced odd jobs to reaching podium finish at 2026 Commonwealth Games
Indian para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar etched his name into the 2026 Commonwealth Games record books with a bronze medal finish at Glasgow’s Armadillo Arena on Saturday.
Commonwealth Games 2026: Jhandu Kumar wins India's first medal at Glasgow, says 'I feel as if I'm flying'
Jhandu Kumar secured India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. He won a bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting final. Kumar achieved this with a successful lift of 190 kilograms. Other Indian para powerlifters narrowly missed podium finishes in their events. This bronze medal opened India's medal tally at the Glasgow Games.
Jhandu Kumar's story isn't just about a bronze medal. It's about a determined individual who overcame poverty, challenged polio, and ultimately hoisted India's flag proudly on the international stage. This bronze medal, won in Glasgow, is no less than gold.
Jhandu Kumar secures India's first medal at Commonwealth Games 2026, wins bronze in para powerlifting
India's para powerlifter has opened the account for the contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2026, winning the bronze medal, Jhandu Kumar has brought home the first medal for India at the ongoing event.
I feel As If I'm Flying: Jhandu Kumar After Winning Bronze in Glasgow
The para powerlifter also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches and everyone who supported him throughout his journey.\"I'm very grateful that they let me practice so much and gave me so much love. I feel very good. I'll try to do even better in the future,\" Jhandu said.
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