PM Modi congratulates Jhandu Kumar for India's first CWG 2026 medal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Jhandu Kumar after the para powerlifter secured India's first medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Bihar lifter's bronze medal capped an inspiring journey from driving an e-rickshaw to standing on the Commonwealth podium.Jhandu Kumar opened India's medal tally at Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. (Photo: Reuters)Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar after the 29-year-old won India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, claiming bronze in the men's heavyweight event in Glasgow. Modi hailed 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 its campaign.CWG 2026 DAY 1: HIGHLIGHTSTaking to X after the medal-winning performance, Prime Minister Modi praised Jhandu's achievement and said his success would inspire millions across the country. "A spectacular performance by Jhandu Kumar, who has opened India's medal tally at the #CWG2026 by winning a Bronze in the Men's Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event! Congratulations to him." The Prime Minister also lauded the para powerlifter's resilience, 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."Jhandu, meanwhile, 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 FAIRYTALE JOURNEYJhandu delivered one of the stories of the Games by clinching bronze in a fiercely contested heavyweight para powerlifting event. Competing from Group B, where lifters traditionally face a disadvantage under the points-based system, the Indian produced a superb 190kg lift on his second attempt to finish with 130.9 points.First medal in the bag!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— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 24, 2026Although he narrowly missed a 196kg effort on his final attempt, his score proved enough to hold off the challenge from several heavier lifters. Nigeria's Riluwan Idris won gold, while England's Matthew Harding edged Jhandu for silver by the slimmest of margins, leaving the Indian to complete the podium with a historic bronze.INDIA OPENS MEDAL ACCOUNTThe medal was India's first of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and came after a frustrating start earlier in the day, when the country narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the men's lightweight para powerlifting event. 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 dedicating himself to powerlifting, was overcome with emotion after the event. He said his first call would be to his parents and his longtime training partner, acknowledging those who stood by him throughout his journey to the Commonwealth Games podium.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Jul 25, 2026 10:59 IST