India experienced a mixed yet encouraging second day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar securing the country’s first medal of the competition. His historic bronze medal highlighted a day that also featured impressive performances in boxing, lawn bowls, gymnastics, and para swimming.
Although several Indian athletes narrowly missed podium finishes, the overall display reflected strong potential as the Games progress.
Jhandu Kumar wins India’s first medal
India opened its medal account through Jhandu Kumar, who claimed a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event.
The achievement marked a remarkable milestone in the 29-year-old’s inspiring journey from driving an e-rickshaw in Bihar to standing on the Commonwealth Games podium. His medal became India’s biggest highlight on Day 2 and provided an early boost to the contingent.
Jadumani Singh begins boxing campaign with dominant win
Indian boxer Jadumani Singh made an impressive start by defeating Scotland’s Aaron Cullen via unanimous decision in the men’s 55kg category.
Despite facing a taller opponent and competing before a home crowd, Jadumani controlled the contest with sharp combinations and aggressive attacking boxing throughout all three rounds.
The victory sends him into the pre-quarterfinals, where he is set to face Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman.
Lawn bowlers continue unbeaten run
India’s lawn bowls team maintained its excellent start with victories in both the women’s pairs and men’s singles competitions.
Commonwealth Games champions Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh secured their second straight win in the women’s pairs by defeating South Africa’s Thabelo Muvhango and Jacqui Janse van Rensburg in straight sets. The result moved the Indian duo to the top of their group standings.
In the men’s singles, Putul Sonowal continued his fine form after overcoming Falkland Islands’ Cecil Alexander in a tie-break, extending his unbeaten record in the competition.
Budigina narrowly misses another medal
India came close to adding another medal through para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina in the men’s 100m freestyle S13 final.
Budigina finished fourth with a timing of 57.57 seconds, narrowly missing a place on the podium. Fellow Indian Ali Imam improved on his preliminary performance to finish seventh in the final.
Meanwhile, two-time Olympian Srihari Nataraj failed to qualify for the final of the men’s 50m backstroke after finishing seventh in his semifinal.
Women’s para powerlifters miss podium
India’s women para powerlifters were unable to add to the medal tally despite determined performances.
Jaspreet Kaur finished sixth overall in the women’s lightweight event, while Suman Devi secured seventh place. In the heavyweight category, Kasthuri Rajamani was unable to register a successful lift, ending without a valid score.
Indian gymnasts reach apparatus finals
India’s artistic gymnastics team also delivered encouraging performances.
The women’s team finished sixth overall, with Pranati Nayak qualifying for the vault final and Ruthuja Nataraj advancing to the floor exercise final.
The men’s team placed seventh, finishing ahead of Bangladesh, Singapore, and New Zealand in the overall standings.
Positive signs despite limited medals
Although Jhandu Kumar’s bronze remained India’s only medal on Day 2, several athletes delivered promising performances that could translate into podium finishes later in the Games.
With boxing, gymnastics, lawn bowls, swimming, and para sports showing encouraging results, India’s campaign in Glasgow continues to build momentum ahead of the upcoming medal events.
Key Highlights
- Jhandu Kumar won India’s first medal with a bronze in men’s heavyweight para powerlifting.
- Jadumani Singh advanced to the boxing pre-quarterfinals after a unanimous victory over Aaron Cullen.
- India’s lawn bowls team remained unbeaten with wins in the women’s pairs and men’s singles.
- Para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina narrowly missed a medal after finishing fourth.
- Pranati Nayak and Ruthuja Nataraj qualified for gymnastics apparatus finals.
- India’s women para powerlifters narrowly missed podium finishes on Day 2.
FAQs
Q1. Who won India’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Jhandu Kumar won India’s first medal by securing bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting event.
Q2. How did Jadumani Singh perform on Day 2?
Jadumani Singh defeated Scotland’s Aaron Cullen by unanimous decision in the men’s 55kg boxing event to advance to the pre-quarterfinals.
Q3. Which Indian athletes qualified for gymnastics finals?
Pranati Nayak qualified for the vault final, while Ruthuja Nataraj advanced to the floor exercise final.
Q4. Did India win any medals in swimming on Day 2?
No. Para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina finished fourth in the men’s 100m freestyle S13 final, narrowly missing a bronze medal.
Q5. How did India’s lawn bowls team perform?
India remained unbeaten as Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh won in the women’s pairs, while Putul Sonowal secured victory in the men’s singles.
Q6. What was India’s biggest highlight on Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 2?
Jhandu Kumar’s historic bronze medal in para powerlifting was India’s standout achievement on the second day of competition.
