Commonwealth Games 2026: All you need to know about Devender Kumar

Para discus thrower Devender Kumar is one of the few Indian athletes set to compete in his second consecutive Commonwealth Games when he takes the field in Glasgow.

The 31-year-old will represent India in the men's Discus Throw F42-44/61-64 event on July 29, looking to improve on his seventh-place finish from the previous edition.

Early Days

Hailing from the small village of Kishkanda in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri district, Devender lost his left leg in a major accident at the age of 21 and spent two months in hospital.

His father, Dharmender, is an ex-serviceman and former national-level volleyball player, while his mother is a homemaker. Devender was introduced to para sports by his cousin.

Coming from a sporting family, he was always passionate about volleyball and discus throw. Before his accident, he represented Haryana in national-level volleyball competitions.

With unwavering support from his family and friends, Devender overcame his disability and took up para discus throw, making his debut at the 2019 Senior National Championships.

Road to Glasgow

Devender has steadily climbed the ranks, winning medals at six consecutive National Championships between 2021 and 2026, including three gold, two silver and one bronze.

He claimed back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, earning qualification for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Para Games.

Last year, he made his World Championships debut at the home World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, finishing sixth in the F43/44 category with a best throw of 50.12m.

Earlier this year, he won silver in the combined F44/64 discus throw at a domestic meet in Bengaluru to secure his place in India's squad for Glasgow.

Heading into his second Commonwealth Games, Devender will be aiming to challenge for his first major international medal, although he faces a strong field that includes Paralympic medallist Akeem Stewart of Trinidad and Tobago.