Will Jhandu Kumar receive cash prize for winning bronze at Commonwealth Games 2026?
Jhandu Kumar won India’s first CWG medal in Glasgow
Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar made history on Friday in the Commonwealth Games 2026. He clinched a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight event, and this marked India’s first medal at CWG 2026.
The 28-year-old Bihar native had a superb showing in his event, registering successful lifts of 181 kg and 190 kg to finish with 130.9 points. A minor foul on his final attempt of 196 kg prevented what would have been a gold medal, but Kumar still secured a podium finish.
Related: Commonwealth Games 2026 (CWG) Day 3 Live Updates
This victory capped a wonderful journey for Kumar, who hails from a financially disadvantaged family of vegetable sellers in Harnaut, Bihar. He had to struggle while building his sporting career, having had to sell vegetables on the streets and drive an e-rickshaw.
However, since making his debut as a para athlete in 2017, he has quickly become India’s leading para powerlifter. Having already won medals at the Beijing World Cup 2025 and the Asia & Oceania Championships 2026, he has added a CWG medal to his tally as well.
Related: Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s updated schedule for Day 3
How much will Jhandu Kumar earn for CWG medal?
In addition to a shining bronze medal around his neck, Kumar is also set to receive a large cash windfall because of his performance at the Glasgow Games.
According to the Scheme of Cash Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, athletes winning a bronze medal in the open category at the Commonwealth Games events are eligible for a cash prize of INR 10 lakhs.
Gold medal winners are awarded INR 30 lakh, while silver medallists win INR 20 lakh. The prize money is the same for both able-bodied and para athletes.
Where and when will Commonwealth Games 2026 take place?
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Will Jhandu Kumar receive a cash prize for his CWG 2026 bronze medal win?
Yes. Under the Scheme of Cash Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Jhandu Kumar will receive INR 10 lakh for his bronze medal at the Glasgow Games.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.