New Delhi: Over the years, Jhandu Kumar’s days began at the vegetable market and ended at the gym. When life got tough 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 he won bronze in the men’s heavyweight event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning India’s first para powerlifting medal at the competition. As the medal was placed around his neck, the thoughts of years of sacrifice came rushing back.“I feel like I’m flying. This is my first medal. Only one thing was in my mind: to win a medal. I will just win,” Jhandu told ANI.The trip to the Commonwealth Stadium was difficult.
From hardship to hope
Affected by polio at the age of five, Jhandu struggled with physical and financial hardships from an early age. His family’s vegetable shop in Harnaut Bazaar, Nalanda district, was forced to close temporarily during the epidemic due to the construction of a flyover. In order to keep the family moving, he started driving an e-rickshaw.However, even then, education remained non-negotiable.“Every day I travel about 20km to Bihar Sharif to buy vegetables, bring them back and sell them in the market. After finishing work at around 4 pm, I go to the gym,” he told TOI before the Games.Money was always tight. Their daily income of Rs 400-500 barely covers the household budget, while protein supplements alone cost about Rs 1,000. Later, he sold his e-rickshaw in 2023 to compete in the National Para Powerlifting Championships, a gamble that initially failed when he failed to register a successful lift.
The victory 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 National Center of Excellence in Gandhinagar. That opportunity changed his career. He also won silver at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games, followed by medals at national and international competitions, including a bronze at the Asia-Oceania Open Para Powerlifting Championship.In Glasgow, Jhandu lifted 190kg to secure bronze after opening with 181kg. He also attempted the Commonwealth Games record of 196kg in his final lift, but fell short.Despite his lack of fame, the medal meant everything.“I’m very happy that they let me do more and gave me a lot of love. I feel very good. I will try to do better in the future,” he said.He also thanked Sports Authority of India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for supporting his journey.ALSO READ: From doubt to dominance: Jadumani Singh’s move to 55kg boosts CWG dreams“I am very grateful to them. We do it there, and this medal is theirs, in a way,” he said.For Jhandu Kumar, the bronze medal is a sporting achievement. It is proof that determination, dedication and unwavering faith can lift a person beyond the weight of the bar.
