Commonwealth Games 2026, July 24 Results: Jhandu Kumar Wins Bronze to Open India’s Account, Ravi Budigina Narrowly Misses Bronze, Check All Major Results Here

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Commonwealth Games 2026, July 24 Results: India opened their medal account at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow through para powerlifter Jhandu Kumarwho clinched a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight category in the on late of Friday (July 24) evening. The day also witnessed impressive performances from boxer Jadumani Singh and lawn bowls player Putul Sonowal, while para swimmer Ravi Veera Venkata Budigina narrowly missed out on a podium finish after ending fourth in the men’s S13 100m freestyle final.

India’s campaign continued across multiple disciplines including para powerlifting, boxing, bowls and swimming. While Jhandu delivered the country’s first medal of the Games, Budigina came agonisingly close to adding another after finishing just outside the medals. Putul Sonowal maintained his unbeaten record in lawn bowls, while Jadumani Singh made a winning start to India’s boxing campaign with a dominant victory.

Who is Jhandu Kumar?

Jhandu Kumar is one of India’s leading para powerlifters who has overcome immense personal hardship to reach the international stage. Born in Harnaut, Bihar, the 28-year-old is the son of a vegetable vendor and has lived with polio-affected legs since birth. He initially competed in shot put and discus throw after beginning his para sports journey in 2017 before switching to para powerlifting.

Under the guidance of renowned para coach Rajinder Singh Rahelu at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, Jhandu rapidly established himself among India’s best lifters. Earlier this year, he broke his own national record with a successful 206kg lift after previously surpassing Sudhir Kumar’s record with a 205kg effort at the Para National Championship. Following his gold medal-winning performance earlier this season, Jhandu added another major achievement to his growing resume by winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games 2026 and opening India’s medal tally.

Jhandu Kumar Opens India’s Medal Account

India celebrated its first medal of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games after Jhandu Kumar secured bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event. His podium finish ensured India got off the mark in the medal standings and continued his remarkable rise after a record-breaking domestic season.

Ravi Budigina Finishes Fourth In Para Swimming Final

Ravi Veera Venkata Budigina narrowly missed a bronze medal in the men’s S13 100m freestyle final after clocking 57.57 seconds to finish fourth. Fellow Indian swimmer Ali Imam placed seventh with a timing of 1:03.73 as India came close to doubling its medal tally.

Jadumani Singh Advances To Round Of 16

India enjoyed a winning start in boxing after Jadumani Singh outclassed Scotland’s Aaron Cullen by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the men’s 55kg Round of 32. The Indian boxer progressed to the Round of 16, where he will face Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman for a place in the quarter-finals.

Putul Sonowal Continues Unbeaten Run

Asian champion Putul Sonowal strengthened his hopes of reaching the knockout stages in the men’s singles lawn bowls competition by defeating Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands 7-5, 8-6 before edging the tie-break 1-0. The victory marked his second successive win and moved him to the top of Section D.

Other Major Results From India’s Campaign

Kasthuri Rajamani endured a disappointing outing in the women’s heavyweight para powerlifting final after failing all three of her attempts. India’s para powerlifting campaign concluded later in the day with reigning champion Sudhir also competing in the men’s heavyweight event. Meanwhile, India’s athletes continued their campaigns across gymnastics, swimming and bowls as the country looked to build on Jhandu Kumar’s historic bronze medal.