A tale of guts and glory as Jhandu opens India’s tally
Para-athlete Jhandu won India's first medal at the Commonwealth Games, securing a bronze in the men's heavyweight powerlifting event. His achievement highlights his personal journey from poverty to international sporting success.
Why it matters
The story underscores the importance of government support and recognition for para-athletes who overcome significant socioeconomic hardships.
For someone who has battled poverty for most of his life, winning the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event of the Commonwealth Games at the Scottish Event Campus here on Friday was nothing short of extraordinary.
When Jhandu won India’s first medal of the Games amassing 130.9 points after successfully lifting 181kg and 190kg, it was around 9.15 p.m. local time, when most people back home were asleep. But the handful of Indian supporters and officials at the venue applauded an athlete whose journey to the podium has been paved with hardship and sacrifice.
Nigeria’s Idris Riluwan scored 132.8 points to win the gold while England’s Matthew Harding (131) bagged the silver.
“I would like to thank my coaches and parents,” Jhandu said.
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