Para Sports
Commonwealth Games 2026: All you need to know about Jhandu Kumar
To support his ambitions, Jhandu worked alongside his father selling vegetables and later drove an e-rickshaw during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jhandu Kumar set national record in men's 72kg para powerlifting (Photo credit: SAI Media)
Jhandu Kumar's rise in para powerlifting is one of determination, sacrifice and perseverance.
Growing up in a modest household in Bihar, he helped his father sell vegetables and even drove an e-rickshaw to support his family before discovering his true calling in para powerlifting.
In just a few years, he has developed into India's leading lifter in the men's 72kg category, breaking national records and earning medals on the international stage.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will mark another milestone as he prepares for his maiden appearance at the multi-sport event.
Early days
Hailing from Harnaut in Bihar's Nalanda district, Jhandu contracted polio as a young child, leaving him with a disability that affected his legs.
Despite financial hardships, he remained determined to pursue sport. He initially competed in para athletics, winning medals in the shot put and discus throw at the district and state levels before also excelling in able-bodied powerlifting competitions.
To support his ambitions, Jhandu worked alongside his father selling vegetables and later drove an e-rickshaw during the COVID-19 pandemic. At one stage, he even sold the vehicle to fund his travel, training and nutrition for national competitions.
Finding his calling
On the advice of his coaches, Jhandu switched to para powerlifting in 2022.
He made an immediate impact by winning silver at his first competition in Kolkata. However, a disappointing outing at the national championships soon after left him questioning his future in the sport.
That setback proved to be a turning point. Paralympic bronze medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu recognised his potential and invited him to train at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar.
Under Rahelu's guidance, Jhandu's performances improved rapidly as structured training and better support transformed his career.
National record breakthrough
Jhandu established himself among India's best para powerlifters with a series of outstanding performances.
He won consecutive national titles and made history in 2025 by breaking the national record in the men's 72kg category. After lifting 205kg at the National Championships to surpass the previous mark, he improved it again days later with a successful 206kg lift at the Khelo India Para Games in New Delhi.
His success extended to the international stage, where he won bronze at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup and the Asia-Oceania Open Championships before recording a top-six finish at the World Para Powerlifting Championships.
These results cemented his place as India's leading lifter in the category and earned him selection for the Commonwealth Games.
Eyes on Glasgow
Glasgow will mark Jhandu's Commonwealth Games debut and another significant chapter in his remarkable journey.
As India's national record holder in the men's 72kg category, he heads into the competition with growing confidence and valuable international experience.
The Games provide another opportunity to test himself against the Commonwealth's best while continuing his rapid rise in the sport.