Jhandu Kumar's Bronze Medal Triumph at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Celebrating a Remarkable Achievement
New Delhi, July 27: The parents of Jhandu Kumar, an Indian para powerlifter, are overjoyed after their son secured a bronze medal in the men's heavyweight category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. They reflected on the numerous challenges he faced on his path to this significant accomplishment.
Jhandu earned the bronze in the para powerlifting event held at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow. The 28-year-old athlete, competing in Group B, achieved his best lift of 190 kg during his second attempt, which garnered him 130.9 points.
In an interview, Jhandu's father, Ramanand Paswan, shared that his son contracted polio in 1990, which did not heal properly. He mentioned that Jhandu worked various jobs, including driving a rickshaw and selling biscuits, while they continue to live in a rented home.
“He contracted polio back in 1990, and despite seeking treatment in Lucknow and Kolkata, he received inadequate care. We have been managing his treatment here in Bihar. He worked hard, drove a rickshaw, and sold biscuits... His victory feels incredible. Our living situation remains unchanged; we still rent our home,” he stated.
Jhandu's mother, Kamala Devi, expressed her desire for her son to secure a stable job from the government.
She recounted the struggles they faced to reach this moment, stating, “We worked tirelessly to witness this day. My son faced ridicule, but he was determined to prove his worth. He drove an electric rickshaw and we sold everything, even potatoes, to support him. Now, he has won... Despite the teasing, he would say, ‘Just wait, Mother, I’ll show you.’ He dedicated himself to the gym, and we stood by him... I am overjoyed today; I just want a good job for him from the government,” she said.
In para powerlifting, medals at the Commonwealth Games are awarded based on a bodyweight coefficient system, rather than just the weight lifted. Athletes from different bodyweight categories compete together in both lightweight and heavyweight divisions, with final rankings determined by an athlete's bodyweight and their highest successful lift.
Jhandu started with a successful lift of 181 kg before increasing his attempt to 190 kg. He then aimed for 196 kg in his final lift, a weight that would have broken the Commonwealth Games record set in Birmingham 2022.
Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the lift, finishing third and securing the bronze medal. This achievement also marked India's first podium finish in para powerlifting at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.