"Feels Amazing": Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar after winning bronze in CWG 2026
New Delhi, July 27
Indian para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who won a bronze medal in the men's heavyweight category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, received a grand welcome upon his arrival at Delhi Airport.
Speaking to reporters, the CWG 2026 bronze medallist expressed his happiness at securing India's first medal at the Games, while also acknowledging his disappointment at missing out on the gold medal.
"Thank you so much for all the love. It feels amazing. I secured the first medal for India and hoisted our national flag. It's a great feeling... There is a tinge of disappointment that I couldn't bring home the gold for the country. There are a few areas that need work, and I will focus on them... There was a minor technical error, and my coach was positioned a bit too far away, which caused the issue," Jhandu Kumar said.
Jhandu Kumar secured bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow. The 28-year-old, competing in Group B, recorded his best lift of 190 kg on his second attempt, earning 130.9 points.
Para powerlifting medals at the Commonwealth Games are determined through a bodyweight coefficient system, rather than solely on the weight lifted. Competitors from various bodyweight categories participate together in the lightweight and heavyweight divisions, with the final rankings calculated based on an athlete's bodyweight and highest successful lift.
Jhandu began with a successful 181 kg lift before raising his mark to 190 kg on his second attempt. The 28-year-old then attempted 196kg in his final lift, a weight that would have eclipsed the Commonwealth Games record set at Birmingham 2022.
However, he was unable to complete the lift and eventually finished third to claim the bronze. The medal also marked India's first podium finish in para powerlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
After Day 4, India is at the eighth position in the medal tally with two silvers, one gold and a bronze medal. Australia is leading the chart with 39 medals, including 17 gold, nine silver and 13 bronze medals.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I admire how Jhandu is both humble and ambitious. He celebrated the bronze but also acknowledged what he needs to improve. That's the mark of a true champion. 190kg is incredible! Wishing him all the best for future competitions. 🙏
Honestly, the bodyweight coefficient system is confusing but it's international rules. Jhandu did well to adapt. But I wish our coaches had better positioning – such a small mistake can cost a medal. Need better facility and training support for our para athletes. Good effort though!
This is truly inspiring! Jhandu's story shows that determination can overcome any obstacle. Competing in the heavyweight category and lifting 190kg is incredible. I hope the Indian government provides more funding and recognition to our para athletes. They are the real heroes. 🙌
Seeing Jhandu get a grand welcome at Delhi Airport gave me chills. These athletes train in such tough conditions with limited resources, yet they bring glory to India. Shame the media only focuses on cricket. Jhandu, you're a legend! Next target: gold in CWG 2030 and Paralympics! 🔥🔥
A small note of constructive criticism: India is 8th in the medal tally with only 4 medals so far. While Jhandu's bronze is a bright spot, we need a systemic overhaul in sports infrastructure, especially for para athletes. Let's not just celebrate individual achievements but push for better policies. Well done Jhandu though! 👏👏
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