New Delhi, July 27: India's first medallist at the Commonwealth Games 2026, para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, was felicitated by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday (July 27) and awarded a cash prize of ₹10 lakh for his bronze medal-winning performance in Glasgow.
Jhandu, who secured bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event with a best lift of 190kg, became the first Indian athlete to reach the podium at the Glasgow Games, kick-starting the country's medal campaign before the weightlifters added three more medals on Day 2.
The 29-year-old, who arrived in Delhi in the early hours after returning from Scotland, said the honour came as a pleasant surprise.
"I landed at 1:55 AM in Delhi and as soon
as I landed I received a message that the Hon'ble Sports Minister wanted to meet me. It felt wonderful knowing that he was waiting to meet me," Jhandu said after receiving the cash award.
During the meeting, Dr Mandaviya congratulated the Bihar athlete for creating history and encouraged him to aim even higher, with the Asian Para Games 2026 now his next major target.
"Dr Mandaviya asked me about my experience in Scotland. During the meeting he motivated me and asked me to win a gold medal at the Asian Para Games and I will do my best to make my country proud," Jhandu added.
From Selling Vegetables to Commonwealth Games Podium
Jhandu's journey to the international stage has been one of resilience and determination. Hailing from Harnaut in Bihar's Nalanda district, he once helped his family by selling vegetables and later drove an e-rickshaw to make ends meet after the family's livelihood was disrupted.
His fortunes changed in June 2023 when chief para coach Rajender Rahelu spotted his talent and brought him to the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, where he transformed into one of India's leading para powerlifters.
The Commonwealth bronze is another milestone in his rapid rise after winning silver at the Khelo India Para Games 2024 and gold at the 2025 edition.
PM Modi's Message Left Him Emotional
One of the defining moments of Jhandu's Glasgow campaign came off the field when Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on social media after he became India's first medallist of the Games.
The recognition, Jhandu admitted, made him emotional and earned admiration from fellow competitors.
"When I was in Glasgow, Hon'ble PM sir tweeted about my achievement and other athletes competing with me said that it is not often that a head of state writes a message for a bronze medal winner. This made me immensely proud," he said.
"I have not had much sleep since winning the medal because of the excitement. My phone has been buzzing throughout. I think Indian sports has reached this level because of the continuous encouragement and support athletes receive. I think I was the only Commonwealth Games medallist who received encouragement from his country's Prime Minister," he added.
Eyes Now on Asian Para Games Gold
With the Commonwealth Games behind him, Jhandu's focus has already shifted to the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from October 18 to 24.
The Bihar lifter plans to spend a brief period with his family before returning to Gandhinagar to resume training.
"When you receive such support and backing from the country's leadership, you get motivated to perform even better. I will meet my family before returning to training. China are a strong contender but I will do my best to secure a medal for my country," he said.
