The Commonwealth Games 2026, have been going in full flow for Indian contingents, where they are bagging medals back to back.
Initially India started at slowly but gradually they found their mojo back, where Jhandhu Kumar( Powerlifter) who won bronze medal to push others back where they can contribute towards medal tally.
Based on latest development, India is currently standing at 8th place where they have won 6 medals which include- 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medal.
Let’s decode some of the stories related to Commonwealth Games especially in reference to Indian players is simply phenomenal and inspirational.
1. Rishiikanta Singh Chanambam stepped onto the platform, for the Men’s 60 Kg weightlifting competition, in Glasgow on Sunday where he won silver medal and the place where his parent lives in Uttarlai Barmer Rajasthan.
2. Just to make you understand, things have been difficult where father is undergoing treatment at AIIMS Jodhpur, for blood cancer where he has undergone three rounds of Chemotheraphy and is responding well.
3. Rishikanta lifted a combined 264 Kg to claim silver medal it wasn’t easy for him but that’s what Champions do, they don’t give up in the face of adversity.
4. “We have had a very difficult life, and I have always tried to make him smile because I never got to spend much time with him” He told TOI.
5. “The Last time I went home, I even took him to scooter showroom so he could finally buy one for himself”
6. “I have been taking care of my family from childhood, as I have been working as a daily wage labourer with some of my friends also I have worked for about two or three months, I wasn’t skilled worker, I mostly helped with whatever work as possible where I earned around 150 a day.
7. His both Parents have been daily wage workers, where his father also worked as taxi driver to supplement the famiily’s income.
8. He also credited his elder brother Amarjit who is like his father and deserve credit for taking care of his family so that Rishikanta can focus on his sport.
2. Jhandu Kumar Steals the Show:
Jhandu Kumar story is simply inspirational, his story is perfect reminder and what we can possible learn from his story.
Jhandu Kumar suffered from Polio at the age of 5 years old, his family member tried everything to make sure he becomes polio free but couldn’t do that , ultimately society who hasn’t done anything good for anyone stated that ” This Guy has wasted all his parents expenses on his medical ailments, he is Jhandu for sure”
There was a time when he decided to change his name “Avinash Kumar” there was one more instance where he went to some offiice and official while calling his name on document read Jhandu and smiled that made him understand, “This name brings smile on others face I will keep this name only”
He was born in Bihar, in poor family, where his entire family used to sell Vegetables, later in 2021, during covid 19 pandemic, there was overlay bridge construction happened due to which they need to halt all shops where his vegetable shop came to halt.
Later Jhandhu had to switch for driving E Rickshaw, to support his family.
Despite all financial difficulty, he didn’t give up these dreams, for winning medals for country.
Jhandu Kumar sold his E rickshaw in 2023 to take part in 2023 National Powerlifting Championships which he didn’t won but coach Rajinder Show spark in him guided him to do well, where he was later enrolled in SAI Gandhinagar Campus.
Later he won silver medal and doing course correction he has now won Bronze Medal for India.
His powerful story and tough childhood is reminder that nothing is impossible if you work hard towards it .
“I remember when I was Child, I had to travel 20 KM at Bihar Shariff, to purchase fresh vegetables and bring back those vegetables at my village to sell it, my earning still would be 400-500 INR in comparison to he needed at least 1000 for gym and supplement but I kept going” said Kumar.
There is so much to learn from him – whether it is sticking towards one goal, embracing adversity and not getting disheartened from loses and always focusing on bright side of it.
| Section | Rishiikanta Singh Chanambam – Silver Medal (Weightlifting) | Jhandu Kumar – Bronze Medal (Powerlifting) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Men’s 60 kg Weightlifting | Powerlifting | ||
| Medal Won | Silver | Bronze | ||
| Commonwealth Games 2026 Performance | Won silver with a total lift of 264 kg | Won bronze, contributing to India’s medal tally | ||
| Hometown / Background | Parents currently reside in Uttarlai, Barmer, Rajasthan | Born in Bihar in a financially struggling family | ||
| Family Situation | Father is undergoing treatment for blood cancer at AIIMS Jodhpur and has completed three rounds of chemotherapy | Family earned a livelihood by selling vegetables; father also worked as a taxi driver | ||
| Early Struggles | Had limited time with his father due to financial hardships and sporting commitments | Contracted polio at the age of five and faced social ridicule because of his name and disability | ||
| Financial Hardships | Worked as a daily wage labourer, earning around ₹150 per day to support the family | Sold vegetables, later drove an e-rickshaw after the family’s vegetable business was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic | ||
| Support for Family | Helped support his family from childhood while pursuing weightlifting | Drove an e-rickshaw and worked tirelessly to continue training despite financial challenges | ||
| Emotional Story | Took his father to a scooter showroom so he could finally fulfil his dream of buying a scooter | Initially wanted to change his name to “Avinash Kumar,” but decided to keep “Jhandu” after realising it brought smiles to people’s faces | ||
| Quote | “We have had a very difficult life, and I have always tried to make him smile because I never got to spend much time with him.” | “When I was a child, I travelled 20 km to buy fresh vegetables. I earned ₹400–500 a day, while I needed at least ₹1,000 for gym expenses and supplements, but I kept going.” | ||
| Career Turning Point | Continued competing despite his father’s illness and personal hardships | Sold his e-rickshaw in 2023 to compete in the National Powerlifting Championships; although he didn’t win, coach Rajinder recognised his potential and helped him join SAI Gandhinagar | ||
| Family Support | Credited his elder brother Amarjit for taking care of the family so he could focus on sport | Family stood by him despite severe financial difficulties and social challenges | ||
| Key Lesson | Perseverance, family responsibility and determination can overcome adversity. | Section | Rishiikanta Singh Chanambam – Silver Medal (Weightlifting) | Jhandu Kumar – Bronze Medal (Powerlifting) |
| Event | Men’s 60 kg Weightlifting | Powerlifting | ||
| Medal Won | Silver | Bronze | ||
| Commonwealth Games 2026 Performance | Won silver with a total lift of 264 kg | Won bronze, contributing to India’s medal tally | ||
| Hometown / Background | Parents currently reside in Uttarlai, Barmer, Rajasthan | Born in Bihar in a financially struggling family | ||
| Family Situation | Father is undergoing treatment for blood cancer at AIIMS Jodhpur and has completed three rounds of chemotherapy | Family earned a livelihood by selling vegetables; father also worked as a taxi driver | ||
| Early Struggles | Had limited time with his father due to financial hardships and sporting commitments | Contracted polio at the age of five and faced social ridicule because of his name and disability | ||
| Financial Hardships | Worked as a daily wage labourer, earning around ₹150 per day to support the family | Sold vegetables, later drove an e-rickshaw after the family’s vegetable business was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic | ||
| Support for Family | Helped support his family from childhood while pursuing weightlifting | Drove an e-rickshaw and worked tirelessly to continue training despite financial challenges | ||
| Emotional Story | Took his father to a scooter showroom so he could finally fulfil his dream of buying a scooter | Initially wanted to change his name to “Avinash Kumar,” but decided to keep “Jhandu” after realising it brought smiles to people’s faces | ||
| Quote | “We have had a very difficult life, and I have always tried to make him smile because I never got to spend much time with him.” | “When I was a child, I travelled 20 km to buy fresh vegetables. I earned ₹400–500 a day, while I needed at least ₹1,000 for gym expenses and supplements, but I kept going.” | ||
| Career Turning Point | Continued competing despite his father’s illness and personal hardships | Sold his e-rickshaw in 2023 to compete in the National Powerlifting Championships; although he didn’t win, coach Rajinder recognised his potential and helped him join SAI Gandhinagar | ||
| Family Support | Credited his elder brother Amarjit for taking care of the family so he could focus on sport | Family stood by him despite severe financial difficulties and social challenges | ||
| Key Lesson | Perseverance, family responsibility and determination can overcome adversity. | Resilience, self-belief and hard work can transform even the most difficult circumstances into success. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many medals has India won at the Commonwealth Games 2026 so far?
As per the latest update mentioned above, India is placed 8th in the medal standings with a total of 6 medals, including 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. Indian athletes have gradually gained momentum and are now consistently adding to the country’s medal tally across multiple disciplines.
2. Why is Rishiikanta Singh Chanambam’s silver medal considered so inspiring?
Rishiikanta’s journey is remarkable because he overcame significant financial hardship while balancing his sporting career with family responsibilities. His father is battling blood cancer and undergoing treatment at AIIMS Jodhpur, yet Rishiikanta stayed focused on his dream and lifted a combined 264 kg to win the silver medal. His success highlights resilience, sacrifice and unwavering determination.
3. What makes Jhandu Kumar’s story unique?
Jhandu Kumar’s journey is one of extraordinary perseverance. A polio survivor, he endured poverty, social stigma and financial struggles. He even sold his e-rickshaw to compete in the National Powerlifting Championships. Although he initially failed to win, his dedication impressed his coach, leading to further opportunities and eventually a Commonwealth Games bronze medal. His story proves that determination and hard work can overcome even the toughest challenges.
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