India’s contingent at the Commonwealth Games is set to continue its campaign, aiming to build on the momentum from Jhandu Kumar’s bronze medal win. Kumar secured India’s first medal of the competition in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event on Friday.
India’s contingent at the Commonwealth Games is set to continue its campaign, aiming to build on the momentum from Jhandu Kumar‘s bronze medal win. Kumar secured India’s first medal of the competition in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event on Friday.
Kumar achieved 130.9 points to earn his podium finish, successfully lifting 181kg and 190kg. He attempted a lift of 196kg but was unsuccessful. Nigeria‘s Idris Riluwan claimed the gold medal with 132.8 points, and Matthew Harding secured silver. Another Indian participant, Sudhir, finished sixth in the same event.
The Kumar’s achievement marks a notable journey from Harnaut village in Bihar‘s Nalanda district. He contracted polio at the age of five and initially helped his parents sell vegetables. Kumar began weight training between 2010 and 2012 to build strength before transitioning to shot put and javelin. He eventually found his focus in para powerlifting.
Kumar faced challenges, including the need for proper nutrition for elite competition. He managed a small vegetable business, traveling nearly 20 kilometers to local markets without a wheelchair. Later, he borrowed money to purchase an e-rickshaw for his livelihood, though these plans were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. His perseverance led him to the Commonwealth Games podium.
Kumar expressed his happiness following the medal win, stating, “I cannot express my happiness. First of all, I will call my parents at home.” Regarding his failed final lift, he noted, “What happened was that it (barbell) got stuck in the rack, so I had a little problem with the timing.”
In other para powerlifting events, Kasthuri Rajamani did not succeed in her three attempts in the women’s heavyweight final. Jaspreet Kaur and Suman Devi also did not win medals in the women’s lightweight final.
Day 3 events and Indian participation
On Day 3, Indian athletes are scheduled to compete across artistic gymnastics, boxing, bowls, swimming, and 3×3 wheelchair basketball. The day’s action includes the women’s artistic gymnastics qualification, where Pranati Nayak, Nishka Agarwal, Eshita Rewale, and Protistha Samanta will participate in both team and individual qualification rounds.
In swimming, Dhakshan Shashikumar is set to compete in the men’s 400m freestyle heats, aiming for a spot in the evening final. This follows a day of mixed results in the pool, where para swimmer Karthik Budigina finished fourth in the men’s 100m freestyle S13 final, and Srihari Nataraj exited in the backstroke semi-finals.
Sachin Siwach will make his first appearance in boxing, competing in the men’s 60kg Round of 32 against Canada‘s Keoma Al-Ahmadieh. This follows Jadumani Singh‘s win on Friday against Scotland‘s Aaron Cullen by unanimous decision, securing his place in the pre-quarterfinals.
India’s lawn bowls contingent, which has maintained an unbeaten record so far, will also be in action. Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh are scheduled for their third women’s pairs sectional match after winning their initial two encounters. Putul Sonowal will also continue his men’s singles campaign after achieving two wins, including one against reigning world champion Ryan Bester.
The women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball team is also scheduled to make an appearance against Wales. While Day 3 may have limited immediate medal opportunities, Indian athletes will be focused on progressing through qualification rounds and knockout contests to set the stage for potential future successes.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
