Key Highlights

• Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a historic bronze in para powerlifting.
• Boxer Jadumani Singh advanced to the pre-quarterfinals after a dominant opening-round victory.
• India's lawn bowls teams remained unbeaten with impressive wins in men's singles and women's pairs.
• Gymnasts Pranati Nayak and Ruthuja Nataraj qualified for apparatus finals.
• Para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina narrowly missed a medal after finishing fourth in the men's 100m freestyle S13 final.

India Registers Mixed Results on Day 2 of Commonwealth Games 2026

India experienced a competitive yet encouraging second day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, highlighted by Jhandu Kumar's historic bronze medal in para powerlifting.

Although only one medal was added to India's tally, several athletes delivered impressive performances across boxing, lawn bowls, gymnastics and para swimming, providing optimism for the remaining days of the competition.

Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal in Glasgow

The biggest moment of Day 2 came in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event, where Jhandu Kumar secured a historic bronze medal, opening India's account at the Games.

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 not only gave India its breakthrough moment but also emerged as one of the most inspirational stories of the tournament so far.

Jadumani Singh Begins Boxing Campaign with Dominant Victory

India's boxing contingent also enjoyed a strong start as Jadumani Singh outclassed Scotland's Aaron Cullen in the men's 55kg category.

Competing before a home crowd supporting the Scottish boxer, Jadumani displayed tactical discipline, repeatedly closing the distance with sharp combinations and controlling the bout across all three rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory.

Having recently moved up from the 50kg division, the reigning national champion looked stronger and more comfortable at the higher weight class.

He will next face Pakistan's Sumama Rehman in the pre-quarterfinals.

Lawn Bowlers Continue Their Unbeaten Run

India's lawn bowls team maintained its impressive momentum with victories in both the women's pairs and men's singles competitions.

Women's Pairs

Defending Commonwealth champions Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh defeated South Africa's Thabelo Muvhango and Jacqui Janse van Rensburg in straight sets (6-4, 7-5).

The victory followed their opening-day success against Malta and moved the Indian pair to the top of the Section B standings.

Men's Singles

India's Putul Sonowal continued his excellent form after defeating reigning world champion Ryan Bester on the opening day.

Sonowal overcame Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in a tie-break to record his second consecutive victory and strengthen his position in Section D.

Budigina Misses Podium by Narrow Margin

India came agonisingly close to adding another medal through para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina.

Competing in the men's 100m freestyle S13 final, Budigina clocked 57.57 seconds to finish fourth, narrowly missing the bronze medal.

Fellow Indian Ali Imam also competed in the final, improving on his preliminary timing to finish seventh.

Meanwhile, two-time Olympian Srihari Nataraj failed to qualify for the men's 50m backstroke final after finishing seventh in his semifinal.

India's Aryan Nehra and Dhakshan Shashikumar were eliminated in the heats of the men's 400m freestyle.

Women Para Powerlifters Miss Out on Medals

India's women para powerlifters fought hard but were unable to add to Jhandu Kumar's bronze.

• Jaspreet Kaur finished sixth overall after lifting up to 100kg.
• Suman Devi secured seventh place following a successful opening lift of 100kg.
• Kasthuri Rajamani endured a disappointing outing after failing to register a valid lift in the heavyweight competition.

Gymnasts Secure Multiple Event Finals

India's artistic gymnastics team delivered encouraging performances despite missing out on team medals.

Women's Team

The Indian women's team finished sixth overall.

Individual highlights included:

• Pranati Nayak qualifying for the vault final
• Ruthuja Nataraj reaching the floor exercise final

Men's Team

The Indian men's team secured seventh place, finishing ahead of Bangladesh, Singapore and New Zealand.

The performances provided valuable momentum heading into the individual apparatus finals.

Positive Signs for India's Medal Campaign

Although Day 2 produced only one medal, India's athletes displayed consistency across multiple disciplines.

From boxing and lawn bowls to gymnastics and para sports, several competitors advanced into later rounds or reached finals, keeping India's hopes alive for a stronger medal haul over the coming days.

With numerous medal events still scheduled, the Indian contingent will look to convert these promising performances into podium finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who won India's first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026?

Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal by securing a bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event.

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.

Which Indian lawn bowlers remained unbeaten?

Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh won their women's pairs match, while Putul Sonowal secured his second consecutive victory in the men's singles.

Did India win a swimming medal on Day 2?

No. Para swimmer R.V.V.B.K. Budigina narrowly missed the podium after finishing fourth in the men's 100m freestyle S13 final.

Which Indian gymnasts qualified for event finals?

Pranati Nayak qualified for the vault final, while Ruthuja Nataraj reached the floor exercise final.

What was India's biggest achievement on Day 2?

Jhandu Kumar's historic bronze medal in para powerlifting was India's standout achievement on the second day of competition.