Mandaviya Felicitates CWG Bronze Medallist Jhandu Kumar
Union Sports Minister presents ₹10 lakh award as para powerlifter eyes Asian Para Games 2026
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitates CWG bronze medallist Jhandu Kumar.
- Para powerlifter receives ₹10 lakh cash award from the Sports Minister.
- Jhandu recalls PM Modi’s congratulatory message as a proud moment.
- Bihar athlete now targets a medal at the Asian Para Games 2026.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th July: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday felicitated para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, India’s first medallist at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, and presented him with a ₹10 lakh cash award in recognition of his bronze medal-winning performance.
Jhandu secured the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event with a best lift of 190 kg, giving India its first medal of the Games.
Felicitating the athlete at his residence, Mandaviya praised Jhandu’s determination and achievement. The 29-year-old powerlifter, who hails from Nalanda district in Bihar, said meeting the Union Sports Minister was a memorable moment.
“I felt privileged to meet the Union Sports Minister today. I never imagined I would be felicitated for my achievement in sports. It was a great feeling to interact with him,” Jhandu said.
Recalling his journey, Jhandu said he had sold vegetables and driven an e-rickshaw to support his family before joining the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Gandhinagar, in 2023 under the guidance of chief para coach Rajender Rahelu.
The para powerlifter also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating him on social media after his Commonwealth Games success.
“I was overwhelmed when our Hon’ble Prime Minister wrote about me on social media. His encouragement motivates athletes to perform better. I think Indian sports has reached this level because of his continuous support,” Jhandu said.
A Khelo India athlete, Jhandu had earlier won silver at the Khelo India Para Games 2024 and gold in the 2025 edition. He said his next target is the Asian Para Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24, 2026.
Jhandu said he would briefly visit his hometown to meet his family before returning to training in Gandhinagar, adding that he is determined to win another medal for India despite strong competition from China.
