Bihar’s Jhandu Kumar secures India’s first medal at Commonwealth Games 2026
Jhandu Kumar’s Journey to Commonwealth Games Medal
Jhandu Kumar, a para powerlifter from Bihar, secured India’s first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, winning a bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event. His achievement marks a significant moment, transforming a name that once brought ridicule into a symbol of resilience and success on the international stage.
The 28-year-old athlete earned his bronze medal with 130.9 points, following successful lifts of 181kg and 190kg. A challenging final attempt at 196kg, which could have propelled him into gold-medal contention, was narrowly missed due to a technical error. Despite this, Jhandu expressed overwhelming happiness, stating that he had not been able to sleep since his win.
Jhandu’s journey to the podium is marked by significant personal challenges. He was afflicted with polio at the age of five in a small village in Bihar. This condition led to physical difficulties, requiring him to sit down to walk, and also subjected him to taunts from others. His family, who are vegetable vendors, spent their limited savings on his treatment, leading to financial hardship.
The Origin of a Unique Name
The name ‘Jhandu’ itself has a poignant origin, stemming from his family’s struggles. During his childhood illness, family friends reportedly remarked, “Aap ka beta sab jhandu kar diya, sab paisa khatam kar diya,” which translates to “Your son has wasted all your money.” This phrase led to the nickname ‘Jhandu’ sticking. For a period, he attempted to change his name to Avinash Kumar, but officials at a government office continued to call him Jhandu Kumar, eventually leading him to embrace the name.
He recalled an incident where officials repeatedly called out “Jhandu Kumar” and laughed when he confirmed it was his name. Rather than being deterred, he chose to own it, stating, “If everyone is having a good laugh at my name… then this name is good only.” Now, his official documents reflect Jhandu Kumar, with Avinash Kumar no longer in use.
Before his rise in para powerlifting, Jhandu faced economic difficulties. To support his training and diet, he spent eight to nine months driving an e-rickshaw. He aimed to earn between Rs 200-400 daily to afford supplements and continue his gym routine. However, the physical demands of driving, exacerbated by the effects of polio, often left him too tired for effective training.
His entry into competitive sport was somewhat accidental. Initially a shot putter, he was encouraged by Bihar coach Kundan Pandey to transition to para powerlifting, who recognized his inherent strength. A pivotal moment came in 2022 when he was inspired by Sudhir’s gold medal win at the Commonwealth Games, which motivated him to pursue a similar achievement for his country.
Future Aspirations and Continued Training
Jhandu’s strategy for the competition was clear: to pass the first lift, secure a medal with the second, and aim for gold with the third. While the gold eluded him due to a technical error—a mistake in breathing during his final attempt—he remains focused on future goals. He is currently training at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, a facility that has significantly aided his development.
Despite his recent success, Jhandu’s family continues to live modestly, with his parents selling vegetables. However, he views the bronze medal as merely the beginning of his athletic career. His ambitions extend to the Para Asian Games and the Paralympics, where he aims to break the existing record of 232kg. His journey highlights a dedication to his sport and a hope for improved circumstances for his family, who celebrated his win by distributing sweets in their village.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
