The story of Zhandu Kumar, who won India’s first medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, is no less than a movie story. The 28-year-old athlete from Bihar’s Nalanda district won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after overcoming all the challenges of poverty, polio and financial hardship. In Glasgow on Friday, Zhandu Kumar achieved the feat by lifting 190 kilograms in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting category.
Don’t let polio become a weakness
When Joond Kumar was 5 years old, polio left him physically weak. But he did not let this become his weakness. The financial condition of the family was also very normal. The household was living by selling vegetables in the Harnot market. Due to the construction of an overbridge during the Corona period, the vegetable shop of the family was closed. A major source of income stopped. In such a situation, Zandoo took the responsibility of the family and started driving an e-rickshaw. He used to go to the gym in the evening to practice while selling vegetables. His aim was to win a medal for the country.
Also sold e-rickshaws for the national tournament
Zandoo’s daily earnings used to be only 400-500 rupees. This money used to support the household. On the other hand, about 1000 rupees were spent on the protein supplement required for a player. In the year 2023, he also sold his e-rickshaw to participate in the National Para Powerlifting Championship. But even there fate did not support it. He also could not make a successful lift. For many, such an event is considered the end of a career, but for Zandu it was a new beginning.
A coach changed Zhandu Kumar’s fortune, Gujarat became a witness
Former Indian para powerlifter and national coach Rajinder Singh Rahelu noticed Zhandu Kumar’s hard work during the National Championship. He offered training at the National Center of Excellence at SAI Gandhinagar. This was the turning point that changed the direction of his career. After which Zandoo Kumar did not look back. He won a silver medal at the Khelo India Para Games and continued to excel at national and international levels. He also won a bronze medal in the Asia-Oceania Open Para Powerlifting Championship.
Achieved a dream by winning bronze in Glasgow
In Glasgow, Zhandu Kumar made the first successful lift of 181 kg. After which he lifted 190 kg weight and won the bronze medal. He also attempted to set a new Commonwealth record by lifting 196 kilograms. However, he could not do so. But he had no regrets because- he had fulfilled his dream of winning a medal. He said, ‘It seems like you are flying in the sky. Because – this is my first Commonwealth Games medal.’
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