Irengbam Ritu Chanu uses airport walkway on crutches before CWG 2026: WATCH
Source Entity
The Indian Express
India has marked a strong start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with Jhandu Kumar securing the nation's first medal, a bronze in para powerlifting. Simultaneously, lawn bowler Putul Sonowal achieved a major upset by defeating world champion Ryan Bester in his debut.
India's Momentum at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games
India has officially opened its medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking a significant milestone in the country's multi-sport campaign. Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar secured the nation’s first medal of the tournament, earning a bronze in the men's heavyweight category. This achievement serves as a morale booster for the Indian contingent, highlighting the growing prowess of Indian para-athletes on the international stage.
A Historic Bronze for Jhandu Kumar
Jhandu Kumar’s performance in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting final was a testament to his technical skill and resilience. Competing in Group B, Kumar successfully lifted 181kg and 190kg in his first two attempts. Although he was unable to clear 196kg on his third attempt, his calculated approach allowed him to secure a spot on the podium with a total points tally of 130.9. This result is particularly noteworthy given the physical and financial hurdles he has overcome to reach elite-level competition.
Lawn Bowls: The Rise of Putul Sonowal
Beyond powerlifting, India has made headlines in the Lawn Bowls Men's Singles event. Debutant Putul Sonowal delivered a stunning upset by defeating the 2023 world champion, Canada's Ryan Bester. The match was a high-stakes affair, with Sonowal taking the first set 5-4. Despite a dominant second-set response from the seasoned Bester, Sonowal maintained his composure during the deciding tie-break, signaling his arrival as a serious contender in the discipline.
A Mixed Day of Competition
While the triumphs of Kumar and Sonowal dominated the headlines, the overall performance of the Indian contingent on Day 2 was characterized by a mix of highs and lows. While Jhandu Kumar celebrated his podium finish, other athletes experienced varying degrees of success: Ashok Malik finished fourth in his event, and Karthik Budigina narrowly missed the podium in para swimming. Additionally, while Srihari Nataraj missed his final, boxer Jadumani Singh successfully advanced to the pre-quarterfinals, keeping Indian hopes alive in the ring.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The early days of the Glasgow Games suggest that India is diversifying its medal-winning capabilities. The success in lawn bowls—a sport traditionally dominated by other Commonwealth nations—indicates a broadening of India's sporting infrastructure and talent pool. As the Games progress, the ability of athletes like Sonowal to hold their nerve against world-class veterans will be pivotal in determining India's final standing on the medal table.
Conclusion
As the 2026 Commonwealth Games move into the next phase, the foundation laid by Jhandu Kumar and Putul Sonowal provides a platform for further success. The combination of gritty para-athlete performances and tactical breakthroughs in lawn bowls underscores a robust start for India. With several athletes still in contention across boxing and other disciplines, the focus will now shift to sustaining this momentum throughout the duration of the Glasgow event.
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