India’s Jhandu Kumar secured a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Competing in Group B, Jhandu topped with a best result of 130.9, outperforming competitors from Uganda and Australia to advance into medal contention.
In the combined standings, Nigeria’s Riluwan Idris clinched the gold with the best overall lift of 132.8, followed by England’s Matthew Harding with silver. Jhandu’s effort of 130.9 earned him the bronze, finishing closely behind Harding in the battle for silver.
Jhandu Kumar’s bronze adds to India’s successful run in para sports at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Born in 1997 in Bihar, he overcame challenges from a young age due to polio, displaying remarkable consistency and determination to secure a podium place.
Ashok Malik narrowly missed a podium finish in the men’s lightweight para-powerlifting event, finishing fourth despite an impressive best lift of 200kg. Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin took the bronze, while England’s Mark Swan secured gold with the top lift of 222kg, marking the first gold of the Games.
