Jhandu Kumar, a para powerlifter, attributes his success at the Commonwealth Games to a transformative journey supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Gandhinagar played a pivotal role in his development as an athlete. Previously, Jhandu supported his family by driving an e-rickshaw and selling vegetables. His efforts culminated in winning a bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he lifted 190 kg in the heavyweight para powerlifting category.

Jhandu remarked on SAI’s significant involvement in his athletic growth, asserting that the organisation contributed around 80 to 90 per cent to his development. He noted that when he joined SAI in 2023, he could only bench press 50 kg. However, his performance saw remarkable improvement once he received access to the facilities and coaching at SAI.

He praised the centre for providing essential resources, including high-quality training, physiotherapy, and nutrition. Jhandu described the supportive environment at SAI, stating, “Everything is available here—facilities, training, physiotherapy, proper diet—and the people here are wonderful and very supportive to interact with.” The holistic approach towards his development has allowed him to focus on enhancing his skills effectively.

Enhanced Facilities and Coaching

Since joining SAI, Jhandu has noticed substantial improvements in the training facilities. Initially, when he arrived in 2023, he encountered limitations. Over time, he has observed advancements in diet quality, tournament support, and equipment availability. For instance, he highlighted the increase in Eleiko benches, which are now up to four in number, corresponding to international standards.

Reflecting on his progress, Jhandu expressed pride in his achievements, stating, “When I first came in 2023, I had virtually no facilities. From that state, I went on to win international medals.” He competed in China in 2024, marking a significant milestone as he secured his first medal there. This experience reinforced his belief in the quality of resources available at the centre.

Looking towards future competitions, Jhandu is eager to set a world record and prepare for the Asian Games. He plans to give an exceptional performance, saying, “My dream is to set a world record, and I definitely will.” He has resumed training with renewed focus after a short break and is dedicated to maximising his potential at upcoming events.

The Role of SAI in Developing Athletes

Jhandu’s coach acknowledged the significant contribution of SAI’s NCOEs in nurturing athletes from grassroots to international competition. He stated that SAI offers essential infrastructure and an environment conducive to the advancement of athletes, thereby helping them achieve success on international platforms.

The coach highlighted the availability of world-class facilities, including equipment used in prestigious competitions. He detailed how the powerlifting hall includes amenities such as sauna and steam rooms, underscoring the focus on recovery and sports science support. Such facilities, according to him, are crucial for athletes aiming for excellence.

SAI’s commitment to continuous improvement was underscored, particularly regarding nutrition. The coach mentioned that feedback from athletes is regularly collected, ensuring that the dietary provisions remain top notch. With a focus on elevating the standard of training, the Gandhinagar centre has emerged as a vital hub for para-athletes, significantly influencing the national-level teams.

Looking ahead, the coach optimistically discussed goals for the Asian Games, aiming for gold medals. He acknowledged challenges faced during previous competitions but affirmed the team’s determination to deliver exceptional performances. The expectation is that their outcomes in powerlifting will surpass those of prior Asian Games, showcasing the growth and preparation of the athletes supported by SAI.

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