Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday felicitated Commonwealth Games 2026 bronze medallist para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar with a ₹10 lakh cash reward in recognition of his achievement at the Games in Glasgow.
Jhandu won India’s first medal of the Commonwealth Games by claiming bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event. He recorded a best lift of 190kg and finished with 130.9 points.
Competing in Group B, Jhandu topped his section with 130.9 points, finishing comfortably ahead of Uganda’s Dennis Mbaziira (114.1) and Australia’s Ben Wright (110.9) to move into medal contention.
In the combined standings, Nigeria’s Riluwan Idris won the gold medal with 132.8 points, while England’s Matthew Harding took silver with 131.0. Jhandu finished third with 130.9, missing the silver medal by just 0.1 point.
Congratulating the para powerlifter, Mandaviya praised his achievement and highlighted the growing support for para sports in the country.
“Delighted to meet para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who made Bharat proud by winning the Bronze medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. His achievement is a testament to PM @narendramodi Ji’s vision of mainstreaming para-sports and ensuring that our para-athletes receive the same priority, support, and opportunities as every other athlete,” the sports minister shared the glimpses from the on X.
Jhandu’s journey to the Commonwealth Games podium has been one of perseverance and determination.
Born in Harnaut in Bihar’s Nalanda district, he was affected by polio at birth. The son of a vegetable vendor, Jhandu began his sporting career in 2017 as a para athletics competitor in the F55 shot put and discus throw events, where he won several medals at the district and state levels.
His interest in powerlifting developed during strength training sessions at the gym. After being encouraged at a state championship, he switched to para powerlifting.
Training under Rajinder Singh Rahelu, Jhandu quickly emerged as one of India’s top para powerlifters. In 2025, he set a national record by lifting 205kg at the National Championships before improving it to 206kg at the Khelo India Para Games.
His consistent performances earned him a bronze medal at the 2025 Beijing World Cup, another bronze at the 2026 Asian & Oceania Championships, and qualification for the Commonwealth Games, where he delivered India’s first medal of the 2026 edition.