Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Journey to Bronze at Commonwealth Games
Overcoming Adversity: Jhandu Kumar's Story
New Delhi, July 27: Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who earned a bronze medal in the men's heavyweight category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, shared his incredible story of resilience and determination. He spoke about how financial struggles shaped his path to success and how a childhood nickname became a symbol of his strength.
After securing bronze in Glasgow, Jhandu revealed that he contracted polio at the tender age of five, leading his parents to exhaust their savings on his medical care. Originally named Abhinav Kumar, he adopted the name 'Jhandu Kumar' after facing ridicule from others who blamed his illness for his family's financial ruin.
In his own words, Jhandu recounted, 'At five, I was diagnosed with polio. My parents spent everything they had on my treatment. My original name is Abhinav Kumar, but after hearing neighbors say, 'You've wasted all the money; you've ruined your parents,' I chose to embrace the name 'Jhandu Kumar.'
To support his family during tough times, Jhandu took on various jobs, including selling vegetables and driving an electric rickshaw. Inspired by the physique of actor Salman Khan, he began working out at the gym, which eventually led him to discover para powerlifting and pursue a career in sports.
'I did many things to get here. I sold vegetables, drove a Toto, and transported passengers. My family's financial struggles pushed me to the gym after I was inspired by Salman Khan's impressive physique in a movie. Initially, I had no interest in bodybuilding, but I started training and gradually built my strength, leading me to this sport,' he explained.
Jhandu Kumar achieved bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow. Competing in Group B, he recorded a personal best lift of 190 kg on his second attempt, earning 130.9 points.
He began with a successful lift of 181 kg before increasing it to 190 kg. Although he attempted to lift 196 kg in his final attempt, which would have broken the Commonwealth Games record from Birmingham 2022, he was unable to complete it, ultimately finishing third.
This medal marked India's first podium finish in para powerlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Jai Prakash Singh, Head Coach of the Indian Para Powerlifting Team, attributed Jhandu Kumar's success to the combined efforts of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support of Indian para sports.
'Jhandu Kumar's achievement is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Sports Authority of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the guidance of the Paralympic Committee of India. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all involved, including our Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' he stated.