From Years of Struggle to 'Flying': Jhandu Kumar's Emotional Journey to Commonwealth Games Bronze

There was only one thought inside Jhandu Kumar's head.

"I have to win a medal."

Nothing else mattered. Not the weight on the bar. Not the pressure of the Commonwealth Games. Not the expectations. Just one mission: Bring home a medal for India.

A few minutes later, after successfully lifting 190kg to clinch bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event in Glasgow, the Indian could barely contain his emotions.

"I feel as if I'm flying," he said, smiling after winning the first major international medal of his career.

It wasn't just another podium finish. It was the culmination of years of training, sacrifice and belief. It also gave India its first para powerlifting medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking after his victory, Kumar admitted that his mind had remained locked on a single objective throughout the competition.

The 190kg lift was enough to earn him 130.9 points and a place on the podium. He had opened confidently with 181kg, improved to 190kg on his second attempt and, for a brief moment, even climbed to the top of the standings.

Then came one final gamble. Kumar called for 196kg—a weight that would have broken the Commonwealth Games record set in Birmingham four years ago. The attempt didn't come off. But by then, he had already achieved something equally meaningful: His first major international medal, and India's first para powerlifting medal in Glasgow.

The celebrations weren't just his own. Kumar made sure to thank the people who had carried him through the journey—his family, his coaches and everyone who stood by him long before he stood on the Commonwealth Games podium.

"I'm very grateful that they let me practice so much and gave me so much love. I'll try to do even better in the future," he said.

He also acknowledged the role of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), saying the support and facilities they provided played a crucial role in his journey.

"We practice there, and this medal belongs to them, in a way," he said.

For Indian para powerlifting, the bronze was more than a medal.

It was the breakthrough the contingent had been waiting for after several teammates narrowly missed the podium.

For Kumar, however, the moment was far more personal.

After years spent lifting weights, chasing improvement and believing that one day he would make the country proud, he finally found himself standing on an international podium.

And in that moment, as he looked at the medal around his neck, there was only one way he could describe the feeling.

"I feel as if I'm flying."

(With inputs from ANI)