India’s Jhandu Kumar delivered a memorable performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow by securing the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting competition. Meanwhile, Ashok Malik narrowly missed a podium finish after ending his lightweight event in fourth place despite lifting an impressive 200kg.
Jhandu Kumar added another medal to India’s tally with his strong showing in the heavyweight category. Competing in a two-group format, the Indian lifter dominated Group B with a score of 130.9 points. He finished comfortably ahead of Uganda’s Dennis Mbaziira, who scored 114.1 points, and Australia’s Ben Wright, who managed 110.9 points, earning his place among the medal contenders.
In the overall rankings, Nigeria’s Riluwan Idris claimed the gold medal after registering the highest score of 132.8 points. England’s Matthew Harding secured silver with 131.0 points, while Jhandu Kumar’s 130.9 points were enough to secure the bronze. He missed out on the silver medal by just 0.1 points in a closely fought contest.
Jhandu’s achievement further strengthens India’s impressive performance in para sports at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. His calm and consistent effort under pressure helped him secure a place on the podium.
Born on January 1, 1997, in Harnaut, Nalanda district of Bihar, Jhandu Kumar has overcome several challenges in his journey. A polio survivor since birth and the son of a vegetable seller, he battled financial and physical difficulties through dedication and hard work.
He started his sporting career in 2017 as a para athlete, participating in F55 shot put and discus throw events. During that phase, his regular strength training sessions introduced him to powerlifting. After receiving a recommendation at a state-level championship, he decided to shift his focus to para powerlifting.
Earlier in the day, India’s Ashok Malik came close to winning a medal in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting event but finished fourth with 143.8 points. Despite producing a remarkable 200kg lift, he missed the podium.
Malik remained in medal contention throughout the event but was eventually surpassed by Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who won bronze with 153.5 points. Gustin, the defending Commonwealth Games champion and world record holder, managed to secure a podium finish ahead of the Indian athlete.
England’s Mark Swan won the gold medal with 153.9 points after recording the event’s highest lift of 222kg. Nigeria’s Paralympic medallist Roland Ezuruike also scored 153.9 points but had to settle for silver due to the countback rule, with his best lift standing at 185kg. The event also marked the first gold medal awarded at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
India’s second participant, Parmjeet Kumar, finished seventh with 135.6 points. Scotland’s Finlay Davidson secured fifth place with 141.4 points, followed by Nigeria’s Ibrahim Dauda with 140.1 points. Kenya’s Ngungi Maringa, Australia’s Daniel Bos, Cameroon’s Belinga Manga, Solomon Islands’ Moffet Tolomae and Malta’s Nick Mercieca completed the remaining positions in the standings.
