India's Jhandu Kumar competes in the men's heavyweight Group B para powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026, in Glasgow, Friday, July 24, 2026. (PTI Photo)Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar opened India’s medal account in the Commonwealth Games on late Friday night when he won the bronze medal in the Men’s Heavyweight category. Jhandu, who was in Group B, started with a successful 181 kg lift before following it up with another successful lift of 190 kgs. He finished with 130.9 points and maintained his lead for a while before he was pipped by Matthew Harding who finished second and eventual winner Riluwan Idris.Born in Harnaut, Nalanda district, Bihar, he was affected by polio since birth. The son of avegetable vendor, Jhandu comes from a humble family and overcame financial and physical challenges through determination and hard work.He began his sporting career in 2017 as a para athletics athlete, competing in the F55 shot put and discus throw events, where he won several district and state-level medals. During this period, strength training in the gym sparked his interest in powerlifting.Following a recommendation at a state championship, he switched to para powerlifting. Although he failed to register a successful lift at his first National Championship, the setback became a turning point when Paralympic bronze medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu identified his potential and invited him to train at the Sports Authority of India National Centre ofExcellence (NCOE), Gandhinagar.Under the guidance of Rajinder Singh Rahelu, Jhandu rapidly progressed into one of India’s leading para powerlifters. In 2025, he set a new National Record with a 205 kg lift at the National Championships and improved it further to 206 kg at the Khelo India Para Games. His outstanding performances earned him a bronze medal at the Beijing World Cup 2025, followed by another bronze at the Asian & Oceania Championships 2026, and qualification for the Commonwealth Games 2026.