Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal at CWG 2026 with Para Powerlifting Bronze

Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal of the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, claiming bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event at the SEC Armadillo. He produced a best lift of 190kg on his second attempt to finish with 130.9 points, edging out Uganda's Dennis Mbaziira and Australia's Ben Wright.

Kumar began with a successful 181kg lift before improving to 190kg. He then attempted 196kg in his final lift, a weight that would have surpassed the Commonwealth Games record set at Birmingham 2022, but was unable to complete it and finished third overall.

The 28-year-old comes from Nalanda district in Bihar and hails from a humble background as the son of a vegetable vendor. He once sold vegetables and worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, even selling his own vehicle in 2023 to fund a trip to the national championships. He started his sporting career in athletics before switching to para powerlifting.

The bronze marked India's first-ever Commonwealth Games podium finish in para powerlifting. Kumar was later felicitated by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his achievement.