Jhandu Kumar Aims for Gold at Asian Para Games Following CWG Success
Jhandu Kumar's Ambition for the Asian Para Games
Bronze medalist Jhandu Kumar from the Commonwealth Games 2026 is setting his sights on winning gold at the upcoming Asian Para Games. He aims to help India surpass its previous medal tally from the 2023 event held in Hangzhou.
During an event hosted by State Bank of India (SBI) Life Insurance, where para-athletes from the 2026 Commonwealth Games were celebrated, Jhandu expressed his pride in representing India. He stated, "Winning a medal for our country is a great honor, and the respect we receive is overwhelming. I feel very proud."
Preparation for the Asian Para Games
Aiming for Asian Para Games Gold
Discussing his training for the Asian Para Games set to begin in Japan on October 18, Jhandu remarked, "Preparations are going smoothly. My goal this time is to secure the gold medal. I am optimistic and feel no pressure; we will continue our usual routine."
In the last Asian Para Games, India achieved its highest medal count with 108 medals, including 27 golds. Jhandu is determined to contribute to an even greater tally this time, stating, "We need to improve upon the previous medal count from the Para Games 2023."
Bronze Medal Achievement at CWG 2026
Bronze-Winning Performance at CWG 2026
At the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow, Jhandu clinched a bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting category. The 28-year-old achieved a personal best lift of 190 kg on his second attempt, earning 130.9 points.
In para powerlifting, medals are awarded based on a bodyweight coefficient system rather than just the weight lifted. Athletes from different weight categories compete together, and rankings are determined by their bodyweight and highest successful lift.
Jhandu started with a successful lift of 181 kg before increasing it to 190 kg. He attempted a final lift of 196 kg, which would have broken the Commonwealth Games record from Birmingham 2022, but was unable to complete it, finishing third and securing the bronze. This medal marked India's first podium finish in para powerlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
India's Performance at the Glasgow Games
India's Campaign at Glasgow Games
India concluded its Commonwealth Games journey in Glasgow with a total of 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze, placing fourth overall.
The Games wrapped up after 11 days of competition, with Scotland officially transferring the Commonwealth Games flag and ceremonial baton to India, which will host the centenary edition of the event in Ahmedabad in 2030. The baton was handed over to Indian representatives, including Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra and Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, during the closing ceremony. Ahmedabad will be the second Indian city to host the Commonwealth Games, following New Delhi in 2010.
Despite sending a smaller team to Glasgow—122 athletes compared to 210 in Birmingham—India maintained its fourth-place finish and improved its medal conversion rate, with 38 athletes returning home with medals. Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh was notable for winning two medals at the Games.