New Delhi: Over the years, Jhandu Kumar’s days started at the vegetable market and ended at the gym. When life got tougher during the COVID-19 pandemic, he switched the market to 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 28-year-old para-weightlifter hails from bihar Winning the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games gave India its first para-weightlifting medal at the event. As the medal hung around his neck, emotions of years of sacrifice washed over him.“I feel like I’m flying. This is my first medal. There’s only one thing on my mind: I have to win a medal. Just win,” Jandu told ANI.The journey to the Commonwealth podium is anything but easy.
From difficulty to hope
Jandu was affected by polio at the age of five and faced physical and financial challenges from an early age. His vegetable shop in Harnaut Bazaar, Nalanda District, was forced to close temporarily due to the construction of a flyover during the epidemic. To keep his family running, he started driving an e-rickshaw.But even so, training remains non-negotiable.“I used to run nearly 20 kilometers every day to Bihar Sharif to buy vegetables and bring them back to sell in the market. After finishing work around 4 pm, I would go to the gym to train,” he told TOI before the match.Money is always tight. His daily income of 400-500 rupees is barely enough to meet household expenses, and he spends nearly 1,000 rupees on protein supplements alone. He eventually sold his electric tricycle in 2023 to compete in the National Para Powerlifting Championships, but the gamble initially failed when he failed to successfully register to lift.
The breakthrough that changes everything
Instead of giving up, Jandu came to the attention of national coach Rajinder Singh Lahru, who invited him to train at the Sports Authority of India’s National Center of Excellence in Gandhinagar. This opportunity changed his career. He went on to win a silver medal at the inaugural India Kailo Para Games and went on to win medals at national and international competitions, including a bronze medal at the Asia-Oceania Para Weightlifting Open.In Glasgow, Jandu opened with a lift of 181kg and lifted 190kg to win the bronze medal. He even attempted to break the Commonwealth Games record of 196kg in his final lift, but failed.Despite missing out on the record, the medal means everything.“I’m very grateful to them for letting me practice so much and giving me so much love. I feel good. I will try to do better in the future,” he said.He also thanked the Sports Authority of India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for supporting his journey.Also read: From Doubt to Domination: Jadumani Singh’s career-changing 55kg move ignites CWG dreams“I’m very grateful to them. We trained there and in a way this medal belongs to them,” he said.For Jandu Kumar, the bronze medal was more than just a sporting achievement. It proves that determination, sacrifice and unwavering belief can carry a man far beyond the weight on the barbell.
