From the Furnace of Struggle, Bihar's Pride Shines: Para-Powerlifter Jhandu Kumar Wins Bronze Medal at Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Patna/Glasgow: A proud and historic moment has arrived for India on the stage of the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. Disabled para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, hailing from a small village in Bihar’s Nalanda district, has brought glory to the country worldwide through his indomitable willpower and rigorous struggle. Jhandu secured the Bronze Medal with a stellar performance in the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting category, opening India's medal tally at the Commonwealth Games.
This is not just a medal; rather, it is the story of a person who left behind poverty, physical disability, and societal norms to script a new chapter of success through sheer hard work.
Early Life Full of Deprivations and the Struggle with Polio
The life of Jhandu Kumar, a resident of the Harnaut area in Bihar's Nalanda district, has been forged in the furnace of struggles from the very beginning. Affected by polio in his childhood, the strength in his legs was impaired, but he never let this helplessness become his weakness.
Jhandu's family is very ordinary and financially weak. His father, Ramanand Paswan, is a vegetable vendor. To sustain the family and improve their financial condition, Jhandu lent a helping hand to his father in his early days. He performed tasks ranging from selling vegetables on a cart in the Harnaut market to getting up early in the morning to bring vegetables from the mandis (markets).
Drove an E-Rickshaw for Survival, Had to Sell His Sole Means for Money
To keep the wheels of life moving, Jhandu worked hard in every possible way. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficult period that followed, when the financial crisis deepened, he even drove an e-rickshaw on the streets to sustain his family. On one hand, there was physical disability, and on the other, the struggle to feed himself, but amidst all this, the athlete within him never died.
His passion for sports was so profound that when he urgently needed money for his gym, diet, and journey to competitions, he sold his e-rickshaw in the year 2023. At that turn of life, it was a huge gamble, but his grit did not let him break.
Entry into the Sports World and the Turning Point
Jhandu started his sports career in 2017 with para-athletics. Initially, he tried his hand at events like shot put and discus throw, carving out a niche for himself at the district and state levels. However, seeing his physical strength during strength training in the gym, local coaches advised him to shift towards powerlifting.
This marked the biggest turning point of his life. When renowned paralympian and medalist Rajinder Singh Rahelu noticed Jhandu's potential, he took it upon himself to groom him. Under Rahelu's guidance, Jhandu reached the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, where his sport received a professional direction.
After that, he never looked back. With consistent stellar performances in the Khelo India Para Games and national competitions, he broke several national records. By winning medals at the Beijing World Cup and the Asia-Oceania Championship, he also established his stronghold at the international level.
Historic Success at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Playing in the men's heavyweight category at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Jhandu Kumar demonstrated excellent control in his initial attempts. He successfully lifted 181 kg in his first attempt and 190 kg in his second attempt, securing 130.9 points. Although he made a risky and record attempt to lift 196 kg in his third try, which he could not complete, his 190 kg effort proved sufficient to fetch him the third position on the podium.
Thus, by winning the bronze medal, he not only opened India's account at the Commonwealth Games but also brought historic glory to the country in para-powerlifting.
Celebrations Nationwide and Prime Minister Modi's Congratulations
Following this historic victory, a wave of joy swept from Nalanda, Bihar, across the entire country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Jhandu Kumar via social media, saluting his struggle and spirit. PM Modi stated that Jhandu's success is the result of boundless determination, discipline, and years of hard work, which inspires millions of youths across the country.
An emotional Jhandu Kumar said after his victory, "When I see the tricolor and stand on the podium, I feel as if I am flying in the sky. This is the most beautiful moment of my life." This journey from selling vegetables and driving an e-rickshaw to winning a Commonwealth Games medal proves that if intentions are strong, every obstacle can be overcome.
