Jhandu Kumar Secures Bronze as India Opens Medal Count in Scotland
The Bihar-born powerlifter overcame extreme poverty and financial hardship to secure India’s first podium finish at the Commonwealth Games. Jhandu Kumar clinched bronze in the men’s heavyweight category with a total of 130.9 points.
A Breakthrough Performance on the Global Stage
In a late-night session at the Scottish Event Campus, Jhandu Kumar secured India’s opening medal of the Commonwealth Games by taking bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting division. At approximately 9:15 p.m. local time on Friday, Kumar reached a final score of 130.9 points. His performance was anchored by two successful lifts of 181kg and 190kg, placing him just behind the gold medalist, Idris Riluwan of Nigeria (132.8 points), and England’s silver medalist, Matthew Harding (131 points).
From Rural Bihar to International Excellence
Kumar’s path to the international podium began in Harnaut, located in the Nalanda district of Bihar. The son of a vegetable vendor, he faced severe economic obstacles from a young age. To assist his family during periods of financial instability, Kumar worked odd jobs and operated an e-rickshaw. His life took a definitive turn when Rajinder Singh Rahelu, a Paralympic medalist, recognized his potential. Rahelu transitioned the athlete to the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar for high-performance training.
The lifter has maintained a steady upward trajectory in recent years. His credentials include:
- National championship title for Bihar in the 72kg category (2024-25).
- A career-best lift of 205kg.
- A bronze medal at the 2025 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Beijing.
A Plea for Institutional Support
While Kumar remained stoic following his victory, his coaching staff emphasized the gravity of his achievement given his background. Head coach J.P. Singh utilized the moment to call upon state and federal authorities to recognize the athlete’s efforts through formal employment and financial rewards. “I request both the Central and State Governments to reward Jhandu appropriately and provide him with a job,” Singh stated, citing the athlete's long history of sacrifice.
Rajinder Singh Rahelu, who continues to oversee Kumar’s development, highlighted the lifter’s psychological resilience. Rahelu noted that Kumar possesses the technical proficiency and mental discipline necessary to pursue gold at future World Championships. Despite the physical intensity of the competition, Kumar finished the evening with his trademark composure, acknowledging supporters before departing into the Glasgow night.
Source: The Hindu — Other Sports
