India began its medal count at the 2026 Commonwealth Games as Jhandu Kumar secured a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting final in Glasgow on Saturday (IST).
Jhandu achieved his podium finish with a best successful lift of 190kg, earning 130.9 points. He started with a strong lift of 181kg in his first attempt, scoring 124.7 points, before improving to 190kg on his second lift, briefly leading the standings.
In his final attempt, Jhandu aimed for 196kg, which would have set a new Commonwealth Games record surpassing the mark set at Birmingham 2022. However, he was unable to complete the lift and ultimately took the bronze medal.
Earlier in the competition, India’s lightweight para powerlifters did not secure medals. Ashok placed fourth in the men’s final with a personal-best 200kg lift, scoring 143.8 points, while Paramjeet Kumar finished seventh with a 176kg lift and 135.6 points.
In the women’s lightweight category, Jaspreet Kaur ranked sixth after a 100kg lift for 96.4 points, and Suman Devi came seventh with a best lift of 100kg and 88.4 points.
Kasthuri Rajamani was unable to record a valid lift in the women’s heavyweight final, as all three of her attempts were unsuccessful.
Jhandu Kumar’s bronze medal represents India’s first in para powerlifting at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
