Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar opens India's medal tally with bronze at Commonwealth Games 2026

Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a bronze in the men's heavyweight category.

Jhandu Kumar lifted 181 kg and 190 kg in his first two attempts in the final, achieving a total of 130.9 points.

Nigeria's Riluwan Idris won gold and Matthew Harding won silver in the men's heavyweight event.

Indian athlete Sudhir finished sixth in the same event after failing to lift 211 kg on his final attempt.

Jhandu Kumar, born in Bihar, transitioned to para powerlifting in 2022 and broke the national record in the men's 72 kg category in 2025.