Spectacular: PM congratulates Jhand Kumar after India open CWG 2026 medal tally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated para powerlifter Jhanda Kumar after the 29-year-old won India’s first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning bronze in the men’s heavyweight category in Glasgow. Modi praised the lifter’s perseverance and determination after the inspiring performance opened India’s account at the Games.

Jhandu’s bronze capped a remarkable journey from driving an e-rickshaw in Bihar and helping his vegetable vendor father to standing on the Commonwealth Games podium, giving India a memorable start to their campaign.

CWG 2026 DAY 1: MAIN

Prime Minister Modi took to the X after the medal presentation and praised Jhandu’s achievement, saying that his success inspires millions across the country.

“A sensational performance by Jhanda Kumar who opened India’s medal tally at #CWG2026 by winning bronze in men’s heavyweight para powerlifting! Congratulations to him.”

The Prime Minister also praised the resilience of the para powerlifter, saying the bronze medal reflected years of dedication and hard work.

“His achievement is a powerful reflection of immense strength, unwavering determination and years of disciplined effort. By overcoming every challenge and excelling on the international stage, he has made the entire nation proud and inspired countless Indians.”

Meanwhile, Jhandu described the medal as one of the happiest moments of his life and said his first thoughts were with his family and those who supported his journey from the very beginning.

JHANDU’S FABULOUS JOURNEY

Jhandu produced one of the stories of the Games by winning bronze in a fiercely contested heavyweight powerlifting event. Competing from Group B, where lifters traditionally face a disadvantage under the points system, the Indian produced a superb lift of 190kg on his second attempt to finish with 130.9 points.

First medal in the bag!

Jhandu Kumar forces #TeamIndia to his first medal at Glasgow 2026 with a successful lift of 181kg and 190kg in the heavyweight men’s para powerlifting.

Watch Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, LIVE & EXCLUSIVE today from 12.30pm pic.twitter.com/g070WNPoAJ— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 24, 2026

Although he narrowly missed a 196kg effort on his final attempt, his score proved to be enough to see off the challenge of several heavier competitors. Nigeria’s Riluwan Idris won gold while England’s Matthew Harding pipped Jhandu for silver by the slimmest of margins, leaving the Indian to complete the podium with a historic bronze.

INDIA OPENS MEDAL ACCOUNT

The medal was India’s first of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games came after a frustrating start earlier in the daywhen the country narrowly missed out on the podium in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting. Jhandu’s success quickly turned disappointment into celebration for the Indian contingent.

The 29-year-old, who once drove an e-rickshaw to support his family before taking up powerlifting, was overcome with emotion after the event. He said his first phone call would be to his parents and his long-time training partner, thanking those who stood by him throughout his journey to the Commonwealth Games podium.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

25 Jul 2026 10:59 IST