From Roadside Stalls to Glasgow Podium: The Rise of Para Powerlifter Jhandu Kumar

The Path to India's First 2026 Commonwealth Medal

India opened its account at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday when Jhandu Kumar secured a bronze medal in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event. Weighing in at 72.4 kg, Kumar established an early lead by successfully clearing a 190 kg lift on his second attempt. Although a technical complication hindered his final 196 kg try, his performance remained strong enough to secure a spot on the podium.

Overcoming Economic Hardships and Physical Barriers

The journey to international recognition was marked by severe economic instability and personal resilience. Kumar, who battles the long-term effects of polio, entered the gym world around 2016 but remained unaware of competitive para powerlifting until 2018. To sustain his training, he managed a vegetable shop, which was later demolished to make way for a local overbridge project. This loss forced him to pivot to driving an e-rickshaw to support himself.

• 2018-19: Transitioned to formal para powerlifting after consultation with sports officials in Bihar Sharif.
• 2022: Earned his first competitive medal in Kolkata with a 135 kg lift.
• 2023: Voluntarily sold his e-rickshaw to prioritize recovery and focus entirely on the National Championship.

A Shared Victory for Bihar and the Nation

Kumar noted the physical toll of his previous labor, stating that driving an e-rickshaw left him too exhausted for high-level training. His decision to abandon his only source of income in 2023 to pursue the sport full-time served as the catalyst for his success in Glasgow. Reflecting on the achievement, Kumar credited his coach, his parents, and the structured support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for his transformation from a street vendor to a Commonwealth medalist.

Source: NDTV Trending