Once a vegetable seller & e-rickshaw driver, Jhandu now earns spot on CWG podium
Jhandu Kumar, a former vegetable seller and e-rickshaw driver from Bihar, won a bronze medal in para powerlifting at the Commonwealth Games. His journey from poverty to international success highlights his resilience and dedication to sport.
Why it matters
This story serves as an inspirational narrative regarding the potential of para-athletes and the impact of grassroots sports support.
Three years ago, Jhandu Kumar was driving an e-rickshaw through the streets of Harnaut in Bihar’s Nalanda district to support his family.On Friday night, the 29-year-old completed one of Indian para sport’s most remarkable journeys by winning bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event at Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Jhandu finished with 130.9 points after a best lift of 190kg, becoming India’s first medallist at this edition of the Commonwealth Games. Yet, for the national record holder, the medal meant a lot more than a place on the podium.“Sometimes it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. But I’m proud that I’ve done something for my country and for Bihar. I had the opportunity to represent India.
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