Patna: Bihar has recorded a milestone in its sporting history after two para-athletes from the state were selected for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, officials confirmed on Wednesday. This is the first time para-athletes from Bihar will compete at the prestigious international event.
Jhandu Kumar from Nalanda and Soman Rana from Gaya will represent India at the Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 3, 2026. Their selection has been described by officials as a breakthrough moment for para sports in the state.
First-Ever Representation from Bihar
Sandeep Kumar, Secretary of the Para Sports Association of Bihar, said the selection marks a historic development for the state’s sporting ecosystem.
He said the achievement reflects years of effort by the athletes along with gradual improvements in training support and sporting infrastructure in Bihar.
According to him, the growing focus on structured training and institutional encouragement has helped athletes from the state reach national and international platforms.
Performance Disciplines and Representation
Jhandu Kumar will compete in para powerlifting, while Soman Rana will participate in para athletics. Both athletes will be part of India’s para contingent at the Games, which is expected to include one of the country’s strongest line-ups in recent years.
Officials said their inclusion highlights the expanding representation of athletes from non-traditional sporting states in global competitions.
Commonwealth Games Context
The Commonwealth Games is held every four years and brings together athletes from member nations of the Commonwealth. The 2026 edition will be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland.
Para sports are integrated into the main competition, allowing para-athletes to compete on the same international stage and contribute to their country’s medal tally.
Inspiration for Emerging Athletes
Sports officials and associations in Bihar have termed the selection as an encouraging moment for young athletes across the state.
They said the achievement of Jhandu Kumar and Soman Rana is expected to motivate emerging sportspersons, especially in para sports, to pursue competitive opportunities at higher levels.
With their selection, attention in Bihar now turns to Glasgow 2026, where the two athletes will aim to make a mark on the international stage.
