CWG 2026: Jhandu Kumar powers India to para powerlifting bronze in men's heavyweight
Glasgow, July 25
India's Jhandu Kumar secured a bronze medal in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026, adding another medal to the country's tally in Glasgow on Friday.
Competing in a two-group field, Jhandu topped Group B with a best result of 130.9, comfortably finishing ahead of Uganda's Dennis Mbaziira (114.1) and Australia's Ben Wright (110.9) to advance into medal contention.
In the combined standings, however, Nigeria's Riluwan Idris produced the best overall lift of 132.8 to clinch the gold medal, while England's Matthew Harding claimed silver with 131.0. Jhandu's effort of 130.9 was enough to secure the bronze medal, finishing just 0.1 behind Harding in a closely contested battle for silver.
The bronze continues India's encouraging run in para sports at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with Jhandu displaying remarkable consistency under pressure to earn a podium place.
Born on January 1, 1997, in Harnaut, Nalanda district of Bihar, he was affected by polio since birth. The son of a vegetable vendor, Jhandu comes from a humble family and overcame financial and physical challenges through determination and hard work. He began his sporting career in 2017 as a para athletics athlete, competing in the F55 shot put and discus throw events, where he won several district and state-level medals. During this period, strength training in the gym sparked his interest in powerlifting. Following a recommendation at a state championship, he switched to para powerlifting.
Earlier in the day, Ashok Malik narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the men's lightweight para-powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026, finishing fourth with 143.8 points despite producing an impressive best lift of 200kg.
Malik stayed in medal contention throughout the competition but eventually finished behind Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who took the bronze with 153.5 points. Gustin, the defending Commonwealth Games champion and world record holder in the category, managed to fend off the Indian's challenge to secure a podium spot.
England's Mark Swan won the gold medal with 153.9 points after achieving the top lift of 222kg. Nigeria's multiple Paralympic medallist Roland Ezuruike matched Swan on points but had to settle for silver due to countback, with a best lift of 185kg. This event also marked the first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
India's second participant, Parmjeet Kumar, finished seventh with 135.6 points. Scotland's Finlay Davidson came in fifth with 141.4 points, followed by Nigeria's Ibrahim Dauda with 140.1. Kenya's Ngungi Maringa scored 127.0 points, Australia's Daniel Bos had 123.3 points, Cameroon's Belinga Manga achieved 103.9 points, Solomon Islands' Moffet Tolomae got 94.0 points, and Malta's Nick Mercieca rounded out the standings with 92.5 points.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Amazing performance by Jhandu, especially given his background - polio since birth and financial struggles. But honestly, we need to do more for para athletes at the grassroots level. How many more Bihari talents are waiting to be discovered? This is just one success story.
Jhandu's journey is the real gold! From shot put and discus to powerlifting - what versatility. And Ashok Malik missing bronze by such a narrow margin too. India's para sports is clearly on the rise. Hope the government and sports ministry take note and provide better facilities.
Brilliant bronze! Jhandu's 130.9 is phenomenal considering he only started powerlifting in 2017 after switching from athletics. That strength training in the gym really paid off. And only 0.1 behind silver - what a thriller of a competition. Keep shining, champ! 💪
This is what makes me proud - athletes who overcome everything. Jhandu's family must be overjoyed. But let's not forget the bigger picture: India needs proper infrastructure for para sports. We have talent, but not enough support. Still, great job by all our athletes today!
Such a heartwarming story! From being affected by polio to lifting 130.9 kg - Jhandu is a true fighter. And that too from a humble family in Bihar. This bronze means so much more than just a medal. India's para sports future looks bright! 🌟
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