India Shines on Day 2 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
India had a bustling yet mixed second day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday. The highlight was para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who secured a historic bronze medal. While many Indian athletes put in commendable performances, they didn’t all manage to reach the podium.
In addition to the medal, there were multiple reasons to cheer. Boxer Jadumani Singh started strong with a confident win, the lawn bowls team continued its unbeaten streak, and artistic gymnasts Pranati Nayak and Ruthuja Nataraj qualified for the finals in their events. Para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina came just shy of a medal, while the women’s para powerlifters faced some challenges.
Jhandu’s Inspiring Journey
India’s first medal of the Games was won by Jhandu Kumar, who claimed bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting. His success is remarkable, considering his journey from working as an e-rickshaw driver in Bihar to standing proudly on the Commonwealth podium.
At just 29 years old, Jhandu’s achievement not only marked a significant milestone for him but also provided a much-needed boost for the Indian team during a competitive day.
Strong Start for Jadumani
Jadumani Singh kicked off India’s boxing journey with an impressive performance against Scotland’s Aaron Cullen in the men’s 55kg category. He won by unanimous decision, showing his skills despite a height disadvantage.
Jadumani’s move from the 50kg to the 55kg class has allowed him to fight with more power. He will now prepare for his next match against Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman in the pre-quarterfinals.
Lawn Bowls Keep Winning
India’s lawn bowls team continued its excellent run with victories in both women’s pairs and men’s singles. Gold medalists from the last Commonwealth Games, Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh, took their second win in the women’s pairs, beating the South African duo in straight sets.
Putul Sonowal, competing in men’s singles, followed up his stunning previous victory with another solid performance, winning a crucial tie-break after losing a set.
Close Call for Swimmers
In the pool, para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina narrowly missed a medal in the men’s 100m freestyle S13 event. He finished just out of the medals in fourth place, clocking 57.57 seconds. Another swimmer, Ali Imam, also competed and finished seventh.
In able-bodied swimming, experienced Olympian Srihari Nataraj did not reach the finals in the men’s 50m backstroke after finishing seventh in the semifinals.
Challenges for Powerlifters
India’s women para powerlifters missed out on medals, despite showcasing strong efforts. Jaspreet Kaur led her group with successful lifts but finished sixth in the overall standings. Suman Devi and Kasthuri Rajamani also faced mixed results.
Gymnasts Shine in Finals
India’s artistic gymnasts, while missing out on team medals, performed admirably. The women’s team finished sixth, and both Pranati and Ruthuja qualified for individual finals, showing they have a promising future.
Looking Ahead
Although only Jhandu Kumar brought home a medal on Day 2, the performances across various sports offer plenty of hope. With more events scheduled for the weekend, India is poised to aim for a stronger medal tally. The athletes are eager to transform their strong performances into more victories in Glasgow.
