'Jhandu' Kumar Isn't His Real Name: The Heartbreaking Story Behind Indian Powerlifter's Struggle
'Jhandu' Kumar Isn't His Real Name: The Heartbreaking Story Behind Indian Powerlifter's Struggle Published By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 15:09 IST Jhandu Kumar, born
'Jhandu' Kumar Isn't His Real Name: The Heartbreaking Story Behind Indian Powerlifter's Struggle Published By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 15:09 IST Jhandu Kumar, born Avinash Kumar, won India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a Bronze in para powerlifting. Here's the story behind his unique name. Jhandu Kumar won India's 1st medal at CWG 2026. (Picture Credit: AP) Jhandu Kumar is now one of the most popular names in India. The para powerlifter from Bihar won India’s first medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games by collecting 130.9 points to win Bronze. He successfully lifted 181kg and 190kg but fell short in his final attempt at 196kg. Some have joked about his name, which doesn’t have any positive associations with it in India. It’s seen as related to Zandu, a popular pain-relief balm, but one that’s usually used belittlingly.
However, as it turns out, Jhandu is not even his real name. The 28-year-old was born Avinash Kumar, and there’s a poignant story behind why he’s called Jhandu. “I was five years old when polio struck me," he told The New Indian Express. “My father spent all the money on me and because of which we went bankrupt. Isiliye unlogo mera naam Jhandu rakha, log bolne laga jhandu ho gaya (that’s why they call me Jhandu)." His father worked as a vegetable vendor, and Kumar had to overcome both financial difficulties and the challenges associated with his disability from an early age. Sport eventually provided him with an opportunity to change his life. He began competing in para athletics in 2017, taking part in the F55 shot put and discus events. After winning medals at the district and state levels, Kumar discovered powerlifting while training in the gym.
A recommendation made during a state championship encouraged him to explore the sport further. The transition was not immediately successful. At his first Championship, Kumar failed to complete a single valid lift. Instead of walking away, however, he used the disappointment as motivation to rebuild his career. His potential was soon recognised by Paralympic medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu, who helped him join the Sports Authority of India’s Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar. Under Rahelu’s guidance, Kumar began to establish himself as one of India’s most promising para powerlifters in the 72kg category. His progress since then has been rapid. He set a national record by lifting 205kg in 2025 before improving it to 206kg at the Khelo India Para Games. He also won bronze medals at the 2025 Beijing World Cup and the 2026 Asian & Oceania Championships.
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