KIPG: Bihar’s Jhandu Kumar, Son of a Vegetable Vendor, Aims for the 2028 Paralympics

New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Poverty drives ambition for achievement. This adage resonates deeply in the journey of para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar. Hailing from a family of vegetable vendors in Harnaut, he clinched the gold medal at the recently held Khelo India Para Games (KIPG).

On March 23, at the historic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Jhandu surpassed his own national record, lifting an impressive 206 kg to secure the top position in the men's 72kg category.

His previous achievement saw him break Sudhir Kumar's national record of 192 kg by lifting 205 kg during the Para National Championship in Noida on March 17-18.

At 28 years old, Jhandu has lived with polio-affected legs since birth. His venture into para sports began in 2017, initially focusing on shot put and discus throw. Back then, he was unaware of the world of para powerlifting. Competing in the F-55 category, he found success in shot put and discus events, but destiny had a different path in store for him.

After a challenging yet remarkable journey, Jhandu arrived at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Gandhinagar, where he showcased his skills under the mentorship of renowned para coach Rajinder Singh Rahelu. In December 2023, he earned a silver medal in powerlifting at the inaugural KIPG.

"I participated in shot put and discus throw at district and state levels, consistently winning gold medals. My early interest in gym workouts helped build my strength. At a state-level championship at Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna, I was encouraged to explore powerlifting. Subsequently, I also competed in able-bodied powerlifting events, winning a gold medal in 2022," Jhandu shared with SAI Media.

He continued, "Until then, I was unaware of para powerlifting. It was only after my childhood coach Gautam Singh from The Rockstar Gym in Harnaut suggested I try it, that I participated in my first para powerlifting event in Kolkata in 2022, securing a silver medal in the 65 kg category with a lift of 135 kg.

Following Kolkata, Jhandu dedicated himself entirely to para powerlifting. "After that event, I focused solely on this sport. I took part in the National Championship in New Delhi later that year, but none of my lifts succeeded. It started at 160 kg, and I didn't win a medal. This event caught Rahelu Sir's attention, and he promised to call me to Gandhinagar soon.

True to his word, Rahelu, a bronze medalist in para powerlifting at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, invited Jhandu to Gandhinagar within two weeks. Jhandu reminisced, "Upon reaching Gandhinagar, it felt like an entirely different world. Initially, I doubted my ability to adapt, but eventually, I found my footing."

Later, Jhandu secured a silver medal with a lift of 157 kg in the 72 kg category at the first Khelo India Para Games. "The inaugural KIPG gave me a new identity. My confidence soared," he recalled. "When the second Nationals occurred in 2024, I achieved gold with a lift of 187 kg. I returned to my village for the first time after this success.

Jhandu dreams of earning a medal for India at the Paralympics. Through his performance at the Noida Nationals, he qualified for the World Championship in Egypt this October, which serves as a gateway to the 2028 Paralympics. His entire focus is now on securing his place at the Paralympics.

"I still have the World Championship and then the Paralympics ahead. I am committed to working hard. I intend to visit Harnaut to spend time with my family before returning to Gandhinagar to continue my training," Jhandu said.

Gautam Singh, owner of The Rock Star Gym in Harnaut and Jhandu's first coach, told SAI Media, "Jhandu is an honest and dedicated athlete. He has faced significant challenges to reach this point. No one in his family was familiar with sports, yet he persevered. Although his father is currently unwell, I have not informed Jhandu, as it might impact his performance."

Rajinder Singh Rahelu, whose disciples have set national records in KIPG, praised Jhandu extensively, stating, "He is a disciplined young man with exceptional talent. I anticipated he would achieve something remarkable in KIPG this year. His medal's new hue reflects his dedication and hard work," concluded Rahelu.