How IIT Madras helped Jhandu Kumar win India's first Commonwealth Games 2026 medal

Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and behind his bronze lies an IIT Madras lab called Acrophase. Its indigenous sensors and low-cost sports science are quietly changing how India finds and funds its athletes.

Para powerlifter Jhandu Kuma won India's first medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Behind his lift is an IIT Madras lab building indigenous sports science for the athletes India usually forgets. (Photo: PTI/IIT Madras)