Jhandu Kumar Wins Bronze in Para Powerlifting, Boosts India’s Commonwealth Games Medal Tally

Glasgow, July 25: India continued its impressive campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar clinched the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight category, delivering another podium finish for the country in Glasgow on Friday.

Competing in a two-group format, Jhandu dominated Group B, recording a best lift score of 130.9 points. His performance comfortably eclipsed Uganda’s Dennis Mbaziira, who managed 114.1 points, and Australia’s Ben Wright, who finished with 110.9 points, ensuring the Indian advanced to the overall medal standings.

In the final combined rankings, Nigeria’s Riluwan Idris emerged victorious with a top score of 132.8 points to claim the gold medal. England’s Matthew Harding secured silver with 131.0 points, edging past Jhandu by the narrowest of margins. The Indian lifter’s score of 130.9 points earned him bronze, finishing just 0.1 point behind the silver medallist in one of the closest contests of the competition.

Jhandu’s podium finish further strengthened India’s medal tally in para sports at the Glasgow Games and highlighted his consistency under pressure on one of the biggest stages in international competition.

From Humble Beginnings to Commonwealth Podium

Born on January 1, 1997, in Harnaut in Bihar’s Nalanda district, Jhandu Kumar has overcome immense personal and financial challenges to reach the international stage. Affected by polio since birth, he grew up in a modest household where his father earned a living as a vegetable vendor.

Jhandu initially began his sporting journey in 2017 as a para-athlete, competing in the F55 shot put and discus throw events. His performances at district and state-level competitions earned him several medals and recognition. During his athletics training, he developed an interest in strength training, which eventually led him to para powerlifting. Encouraged by coaches following a state championship, he switched disciplines and quickly established himself as one of India’s promising para powerlifters.

His bronze medal in Glasgow stands as a testament to years of perseverance, determination and relentless hard work.

Ashok Malik Misses Podium by Narrow Margin

Earlier in the day, fellow Indian Ashok Malik narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting event. Malik finished fourth after recording an impressive 200kg lift, earning 143.8 points in a fiercely competitive field.

Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, the reigning Commonwealth champion and world record holder, claimed the bronze medal with 153.5 points, staying ahead of Malik in the final standings.

England’s Mark Swan captured the gold medal with 153.9 points after producing the competition’s best lift of 222kg. Nigeria’s celebrated Paralympian Roland Ezuruike matched Swan on points but settled for silver on countback with a best lift of 185kg.

India’s second entrant in the category, Parmjeet Kumar, finished seventh with 135.6 points, while athletes from Scotland, Nigeria, Kenya, Australia, Cameroon, the Solomon Islands and Malta completed the field.

With Jhandu Kumar’s bronze adding to India’s growing medal haul, the country’s para athletes have once again demonstrated their ability to compete with the world’s best, providing another memorable moment in India’s Commonwealth Games campaign.