Moving into a dedicated training ecosystem provided him with professional coaching, full residential support, and structured nutrition
Published: August 11, 2026, 10:58 PM IST
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with 2026 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar during a high tea at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday, August 9, 2026(Photo: IANS/PMO)
When Jhandu Kumar secured a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, he did more than just mark a personal milestoneHis 190 kg lift opened India’s official medal tally at the Games, capping off a remarkable journey from selling vegetables on the streets of Bihar to standing on an international podium.
However, translating that raw physical power into a podium finish required more than just individual gritIn an exclusive conversation with Zee Media, Jhandu revealed how government initiatives, particularly the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Khelo India scheme, stepped in at a crucial turning point in his life to give him the structured training and technical foundation needed to compete globally.
Before receiving formal institutional backing, Jhandu’s sporting career was built largely on trial and errorAffected by polio at a young age, he spent years doing odd jobs, driving an e-rickshaw, and running a vegetable stall with his family in HarnautWhile local gym training helped him build strength, he lacked exposure to the strict technical rules, timing, and officiating standards of professional powerlifting.
His selection for the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar in 2023 changed everythingMoving into a dedicated training ecosystem provided him with professional coaching, full residential support, and structured nutritionBut equally important was the competition exposure provided by government programs.
“I got immense support from SAI and Khelo India, which is why I am performing well today,” Jhandu said“Khelo India gave us incredible inspiration and exposure because it offered an international-level setup right here in India.”
Before participating in these government-backed events, Jhandu had never experienced an elite competition environmentWhile he possessed the physical capacity to lift heavy weights, international powerlifting demands strict compliance with official referee signals and time limits.
“Without that experience, I wouldn’t have known how to execute the lifts properly on a big stage,” Jhandu explained“I only knew that a referee would give a decisionBut through Khelo India, I gained real experience, learning how much time to take, listening for the referee to say ‘press’, and knowing exactly when to go down and up.”
That technical familiarity proved decisive on the international stageCompeting in Khelo India twice gave him the confidence to navigate high-pressure environments, directly contributing to his medal-winning performances abroad.
Reflecting on his journey, Jhandu credited the central leadership and sports bodies for creating pathways that allow athletes from humble backgrounds to succeed.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), along with everyone involved in these initiatives,” he said“There are so many great schemes available for para-athletes today, which is a wonderful thingWithout this kind of backing, Indian sports wouldn’t be moving forward the way it is.”
