Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who won India’s first medal in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, at his residence on Monday. Jhandu won bronze in the men’s heavyweight category with a best lift of 190kg.

Dr Mandaviya handed INR 10 Lakh as cash award to Jhandu, who comes from a humble background in Nalanda district in Bihar. Talking about his experience of meeting the Union Sports Minister, the powerlifter said: “I felt privileged to meet the Union Sports Minister today. How many people get to meet a central minister in their lifetime. I never wondered that I will be felicitated for my achievement in sports. Dr Mandaviya asked me about my experience in Scotland. It was a great feeling to interact with him.”

Jhandu sold vegetables and even rode an e-rickshaw to support his family in Harnaut town of Nalanda before being selected by chief para coach Rajender Rahelu to train at SAI NCOE Gandhinagar back in June 2023. 

He said that when Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted about his achievement on social media, it gave him goosebumps. “I have not had much sleep since the time I have won a medal, due to the excitement and adrenaline rush. My phone has been buzzing throughout. I was overwhelmed when our Hon’ble PM wrote about me on social media. I think Indian sports has reached this level all thanks to his continuous encouragement and support for athletes. I think I was the only CWG medallist who received encouragement from his country’s Prime Minister,” the 29-year-old said.

Prior to his Glasgow glory, the powerlifter won back-to-back silver and gold medals in the Khelo India Para Games 2024 and 2025 editions respectively. The Khelo India athlete has now trained his eyes on the upcoming Asian Para Games scheduled from October 18 to 24, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. 

“When you receive such support and backing from the country’s leadership, you get motivated to perform even better. I will go to my hometown for a brief period to meet my family members before returning to Gandhinagar in order to prepare for Asian Para Games. China are a strong contender but I will do my best to secure a medal for my country, I promise,” Jhandu signed off.

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Ayushman Kumar