He later borrowed money from friends to buy an e-rickshaw to earn a livelihood, but those plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
His perseverance eventually paid off as he climbed onto the Commonwealth Games podium, giving India an early boost in the para sports programme.
“I cannot express my happiness. First of all, I will call my parents at home. And Gautam bhaiya, who was my first companion, whom I have practiced with since my childhood,” said Kumar after the podium finish.
“It is very important for India, the first medal. When I see my flag, I feel very happy. And we have won two such medals in 2025.”
Pointing to the failed final lift, which would have been a Games record, he said, “What happened was that it (barbell) got stuck in the rack, so I had a little problem with the timing,” he added.
In the women’s heavyweight final Kasthuri Rajamani failed all her three attempts.
In the women’s lightweight final, Jaspreet Kaur and Suman Devi failed to win medals.
(With inputs from PTI)
