A tale of guts and glory as Jhandu opens India’s tally

It is not easy being Jhandu Kumar.

For someone who has battled poverty for most of his life, winning the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event of the Commonwealth Games at the Scottish Event Campus here on Friday was nothing short of extraordinary.

When Jhandu won India’s first medal of the Games amassing 130.9 points after successfully lifting 181kg and 190kg, it was around 9.15 p.m. local time, when most people back home were asleep. But the handful of Indian supporters and officials at the venue applauded an athlete whose journey to the podium has been paved with hardship and sacrifice.

Nigeria’s Idris Riluwan scored 132.8 points to win the gold while England’s Matthew Harding (131) bagged the silver.

“I would like to thank my coaches and parents,” Jhandu said.

As each lifter let out a roar before attempting every bench press, Jhandu remained characteristically composed. There was little outward emotion from the Indian, perhaps he had long internalised the pain and struggles that life had thrown at him.

Born in Harnaut in Bihar’s Nalanda district, Jhandu comes from a humble family. The son of a vegetable vendor, he spent much of his childhood helping his parents. To supplement the family’s income, he also took up odd jobs and even drove an e-rickshaw after the family’s financial situation worsened.

When asked Jhandu about those tough years, he paused for a moment. He couldn’t say much as he possibly reflected on the difficulties endured by both him and his family.

Before he could respond, J.P. Singh, head coach of the Indian men’s and women’s para powerlifting team, stepped in with an emotional appeal.

“I request both the Central and State Governments to reward Jhandu appropriately and provide him with a job. He truly deserves it after everything he has gone through,” Singh told The Hindu.

Jhandu’s life changed when Paralympic medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu spotted his talent and brought him to the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, where he has trained ever since. Watching his protege deliver India’s first medal of the Games was an emotional moment for the veteran coach.

A National champion while representing Bihar in 72kg in 2024-25 with a best lift of 205kg, Jhandu established himself as one of India’s brightest prospects in the sport by winning a bronze medal at the 2025 para powerlifting World Cup in Beijing.

“He can do even better and win gold medals at the World Championships,” Rajinder said here on Friday. “He has excellent technique and, more importantly, he is mentally very strong.”

Rajinder echoed those sentiments, praising Jhandu’s calm demeanour and quiet determination.

As Jhandu was wheeled away after patiently obliging every interview request, he quietly acknowledged the congratulations from the volunteers, officials and passers-by with a gentle smile before exiting the venue.