From Glasgow Podium to PM Modi's Praise: Jhandu Kumar's Dream Run Gets Bigger

On Friday, Jhandu Kumar stood on the podium with a bronze medal around his neck. On Saturday morning, he had something else to celebrate: A message from the Prime Minister.

After the para powerlifter opened India's medal tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a bronze in the men's heavyweight event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the athlete, describing his achievement as a triumph of perseverance, discipline and determination.

"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!" the Prime Minister wrote on X.

Calling the performance an inspiration for millions, Modi praised the years of effort behind the medal.

"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."

The recognition came less than a day after Kumar delivered the biggest performance of his career in Glasgow.

Competing in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event, the Indian lifter opened with 181kg, improved to 190kg on his second attempt and briefly climbed to the top of the leaderboard.

Then came one final gamble. He called for 196kg—a lift that would have rewritten the Commonwealth Games record books. The attempt fell short. The dream of gold slipped away. But the bronze was enough to create history. It became India's first medal of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the country's first podium finish in para powerlifting at the 2026 edition.

The day before, Kumar had summed up the moment in words that captured the emotion better than any medal tally.

"I feel as if I'm flying," he had said after stepping off the podium. Now, with a Commonwealth Games medal around his neck and a message of appreciation from the country's Prime Minister, the journey has become even more memorable. For Kumar, the bronze wasn't just India's first medal in Glasgow. It was the moment years of unseen effort finally found national recognition.

(With inputs from ANI)