Jhandu Kumar Wins India’s First Medal at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Jhandu Kumar clinched the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event, securing India’s first podium finish at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Kumar amassed a total of 130.9 points after successfully lifting 181kg and 190kg in his first two attempts. He narrowly missed a final lift of 196kg, which would have broken the existing games record. Nigeria’s Idris Riluwan took the gold medal with 132.8 points, while Matthew Harding of England secured silver with 131.0 points in a closely contested final.

Born in Nalanda, Bihar, Kumar overcame extreme financial hardships and polio to reach the international stage. The son of a vegetable vendor, he previously drove an e-rickshaw to fund his training and sold the vehicle in 2023 to attend national championships. His potential was spotted by Paralympic bronze medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu, who invited him to the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar. Kumar’s rise has been rapid, having previously won bronze at the 2025 Beijing World Cup before this breakthrough in Glasgow.

On Day 3, India saw diverse results across multiple disciplines including boxing and lawn bowls. Boxer Sachin advanced to the last 16 after defeating Keoma Al-Ahmadieh of Canada, while the women's lawn bowls pair of Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh remained unbeaten. However, the contingent faced significant setbacks as three athletes, including judoka Tulika Maan, were barred from the games due to doping violations. These suspensions have reduced India’s medal prospects in key categories as the competition enters its first week.