Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar wins India's first medal at Commonwealth Games
Jhandu Kumar, a 29-year-old para powerlifter from Bihar, won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday, lifting 190 kg in his event. The medal is India's first at the ongoing Games.
Kumar, who contracted polio at the age of four, has overcome significant hardship to reach this level. He has previously sold vegetables and driven e-rickshaws to fund his training. Hailing from Harnaut village in Nalanda district, his name in Hindi loosely translates to 'incompetent person', a meaning he has consistently defied through his achievements.
“What’s in a name? I embraced this name the moment I realised that identity comes from what you do, not what you are called,” Kumar said after his victory. “People used to laugh at my name. Today, it was announced from the podium with the Indian flag around me. I can’t think of a better moment in my life.”
His performance has drawn widespread appreciation, with many celebrating his journey from humble beginnings to the international podium. The bronze medal adds to India's growing tally in para sports at the Commonwealth Games.
