From E-Rickshaw Driver To Glasgow Glory: Bihar's Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal At CWG 2026
· Free Press Journal

India's campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received an inspiring boost as Bihar's Jhandu Kumar scripted history by becoming the country's first medallist of the Games. He secured a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event. Behind the medal, however, lies a remarkable story of sacrifice, resilience and determination that transformed a vegetable seller and e-rickshaw driver into an international athlete.
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Hailing from Harnaut Bazaar in Bihar's Nalanda district, Jhandu grew up in a modest family that ran a vegetable shop. During the COVID-19 pandemic, financial hardship forced him to drive an e-rickshaw to support his family after the family's business was affected. Despite working long hours, he never gave up on his dream of representing India on the biggest stage.
BRONZE!
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) July 24, 2026
The first medal is on the board for #TeamIndia!
A phenomenal performance by Jhandu Kumar in the Men’s Para Powerlifting Heavyweight event earns us our first Bronze Medal.
A proud start to the campaign—and here’s to many more podium finishes in the days… pic.twitter.com/Wvualfts0W
Jhandu balanced work with rigorous training, often spending his mornings and evenings preparing for competitions. His unwavering commitment eventually paid off as he earned a place in India's Commonwealth Games squad. In an even greater achievement, he secured India's first medal at Glasgow 2026, marking a historic moment for both the nation and Bihar.
First medal in the bag!
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 24, 2026
Jhandu Kumar powers #TeamIndia to its first medal at Glasgow 2026 with successful lift of 181kg and 190kg in the men’s heavyweight category of para powerlifting.
Watch the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, today from 12:30 PM onwards, LIVE & EXCLUSIVE… pic.twitter.com/g070WNPoAJ
His journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles. From selling vegetables and driving an e-rickshaw to standing on the Commonwealth Games podium, Jhandu Kumar has become an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country, showing that no dream is too big when backed by relentless hard work and belief.