Sold Vegetables, Drove Rickshaw - Now Wins India's First Commonwealth Games Medal

Competing in the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting event, Jhandu registered 130.9 points. He successfully lifted 181kg and 190kg, while falling short in his final attempt at 196kg.

Para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar clinched a bronze medal to script history.

Source : PTI

India's standout performance on Day 2 of 2026 Commonwealth Games came from para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who clinched a bronze medal to script history. With his podium finish, Jhandu became the first Indian para-powerlifter to win a Commonwealth Games medal, while also claiming the first international medal of his career.

Jhandu's rise to the podium is a story of determination and resilience. Born into a farmer's family, he battled severe financial hardships during his early years. To help support his family, he sold vegetables and later worked as an e-rickshaw driver.

Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his sporting ambitions, and his perseverance has now been rewarded with a historic medal for India.

Competing in the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting event, Jhandu registered 130.9 points. He successfully lifted 181kg and 190kg, while falling short in his final attempt at 196kg. Idris Rilwan of Nigeria claimed the gold medal, with Matthew Harding taking silver.

First medal in the bag!🥉

Jhandu Kumar powers #TeamIndia to its first medal at Glasgow 2026 with successful lift of 181kg and 190kg in the men’s heavyweight category of para powerlifting.

Watch the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, today from 12:30 PM onwards, LIVE & EXCLUSIVE… pic.twitter.com/g070WNPoAJ

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 24, 2026

Elsewhere, Ashok Malik narrowly missed out on a podium finish after placing fourth in the men's lightweight para-powerlifting competition with 143.8 points, while Paramjeet Kumar finished seventh with 135.6 points. In para-swimming, Karthik Budigina also ended just outside the medals, finishing fourth in the men's S13 100m freestyle final.

Jhandu Kumar's para powerlifting journey 

Following the advice of his coaches, Jhandu Kumar switched to para powerlifting in 2022. He made an impressive start by winning a silver medal at his first competition in Kolkata, signalling his potential on the national stage.

His breakthrough year came in 2025 when he rewrote the national record in the men's 72kg category. Jhandu initially set a new benchmark with a 205kg lift at the National Championships before bettering his own mark just days later by successfully lifting 206kg at the Khelo India Para Games in New Delhi.

The Indian para-powerlifter also enjoyed success on the international circuit, securing bronze medals at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup and the Asia-Oceania Open Championships. He further underlined his consistency by finishing among the top six at the World Para Powerlifting Championships.