Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar after the Bihar-born athlete won India's first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, securing bronze in the men's heavyweight event in Glasgow. Taking to X shortly after the podium finish, the Prime Minister praised Jhandu's perseverance and said his success had brought pride to the nation.
“A spectacular performance by Jhandu Kumar, who has opened India’s medal tally at the #CWG2026 by winning a Bronze in the Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event!” PM Modi wrote on X.
The bronze medal marked India's first podium finish of the Glasgow Games, with Jhandu producing a best lift of 130.9 to finish third in the overall standings. Nigeria's Riluwan Idris claimed the gold medal with 132.8, while England's Matthew Harding took silver after recording 131.0, leaving Jhandu just 0.1 short of second place.
Congratulating the para athlete on the achievement, the Prime Minister highlighted the dedication behind the performance. He also underlined the wider significance of Jhandu's achievement, saying it would inspire aspiring athletes across the country.
“Congratulations to him. His achievement is a powerful reflection of immense strength, unwavering determination and years of disciplined effort. By overcoming every challenge and excelling on the international stage, he has made the entire nation proud and inspired countless Indians,” Modi said.
Jhandu had topped Group B ahead of Uganda's Dennis Mbaziira and Australia's Ben Wright before his lift proved good enough for an overall bronze in the combined classification.
“Congratulations to him. His achievement is a powerful reflection of immense strength, unwavering determination and years of disciplined effort. By overcoming every challenge and excelling on the international stage, he has made the entire nation proud and inspired countless Indians,” Modi said.
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Jhandu's medal provides India with an encouraging start to the Commonwealth Games campaign and continues the country's growing success in para sports on the international stage.