Jhandu Kumar: Bihar's Para Powerlifting Star Shines at CWG 2026

Jhandu Kumar, a para powerlifter from Bihar, has made headlines by securing a bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant achievement for India. This 28-year-old athlete opened the medal tally for his country with an impressive performance, accumulating a total of 130.9 points. His successful lifts included 181 kg and 190 kg, although he was unable to complete his final lift attempt of 196 kg. Jhandu's journey to this moment is one of remarkable determination and resilience, showcasing how he overcame numerous challenges to reach the global stage.

Hailing from the small town of Harnaut in Nalanda district, Jhandu Kumar's life has been shaped by adversity. Born with polio and raised in a humble household where his father worked as a vegetable vendor, he faced significant physical and economic hurdles from a young age. These early struggles, however, instilled in him a strong sense of perseverance that would later define his athletic career. His path to becoming a para powerlifter was not straightforward; he initially ventured into sports through para athletics in 2017, competing in events like the F55 shot put and discus. His talent shone through as he earned medals at both district and state competitions, but it was during strength training sessions in the gym that he discovered his passion for powerlifting, leading to a pivotal shift in his sporting focus.