NEW DELHI: For years, Jhandu Kumar’s days began at a vegetable market and ended at a gym. When life became more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, he traded the market for an e-rickshaw, working long hours to support his family while refusing to give up on his dream of representing India.On Friday in Glasgow, that dream became a reality. The para powerlifter from: Bihar: won bronze in the men’s heavyweight event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, claiming India’s first para powerlifting medal in the competition. As the medal was placed around his neck, the emotions of years of sacrifice returned.“I feel as if I am flying. This is my first medal. There is only one thing in my mind: that I have to win the medal. Just need to win,” Jhandu told ANI.The journey to the Commonwealth podium was an easy one.
From adversity to hope
Affected by polio at the age of five, Jhandu battled physical and financial challenges from an early age. His family’s vegetable shop in Harnaut Bazaar, Nalanda district, was forced to close temporarily during the pandemic due to the construction of an overbridge. To continue running the household, he started driving an e-rickshaw.However, training remains non-negotiable.“Every day I travel almost 20km to Bihar Sharif to buy vegetables, bring them back and sell them in the market. After work around 4 pm, I go to the gym for training,” he told TOI before the Games.Money is always tight. His daily earnings of Rs 400-500 barely cover household expenses, while protein supplements cost close to Rs 1,000. Eventually, he sold his e-rickshaw in 2023 to compete in the National Para Powerlifting Championships, a gamble that initially failed after he could not register a successful lift.
The success that changed everything
Instead of giving up, Jhandu caught the attention of national coach Rajinder Singh Rahelu, who invited him to train at the Sports Authority of India’s National Center of Excellence in Gandhinagar. That opportunity changed his career. He went on to win silver at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games, followed by medals at national and international competitions, including bronze at the Asia-Oceania Open Para Powerlifting Championships.In Glasgow, Jhandu lifted 190kg to take the bronze after opening with 181kg. He even attempted a Commonwealth Games record of 196kg in his final lift, but fell short.Despite missing the record, the medal meant everything.“I’m very grateful that they let me practice a lot and gave me a lot of love. I feel really good. I’ll try to do better in the future,” he said.He also thanked the Sports Authority of India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for supporting his journey.ALSO READ: From doubt to dominance. Jadumani Singh’s career change at 55kg inspires CWG dream“I am very grateful to them. We practiced there, and this medal is theirs, in a way,” he said.For Jhandu Kumar, the bronze medal is more than a sporting achievement. This is proof that determination, sacrifice and unwavering faith can lift a person above the weight of the bar.