Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha extended her congratulations to weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh after he secured the silver medal in the men's 60kg event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday. Rishikanta's achievement marked India's first silver at the ongoing Games, adding to the bronze medal earlier won by para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar.
Record-Breaking Performance in Snatch
Rishikanta finished with a combined total of 264kg, comprising a 121kg snatch and a 143kg clean and jerk. His snatch of 121kg set a new Commonwealth Games record, surpassing previous marks and equalling his personal best. Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan claimed the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record total of 273kg (121kg + 152kg), while Kenya's Joshua Mboya took bronze with 260kg (115kg + 145kg), according to ESPN.
The Indian lifter made a strong start in the snatch, successfully clearing 116kg before improving to 119kg. On his final attempt, Rishikanta lifted 121kg, breaking the Games record. Kasdan matched that effort moments later, leaving the two lifters tied after the opening discipline.
Clean and Jerk Decides the Gold
In the clean and jerk, Rishikanta safely opened with a successful lift of 143kg, momentarily taking the overall lead with a total of 264kg. Kasdan responded by clearing 145kg and then 149kg to move ahead with 270kg, putting pressure on the Indian. Needing 151kg on his final attempt to reclaim the lead, Rishikanta completed the clean but was unable to lock out the jerk, ending his challenge for gold. Kasdan then capped off his dominant performance by lifting 152kg in his final attempt, registering a Games record total of 273kg.
PT Usha praised Rishikanta's effort in a post on X, stating: "Our second medal at Glasgow. Many congratulations to Rishikanta Singh on the silver medal win. A Commonwealth Games record in snatch to go with it. The country is proud of the incredible effort he put in to win us a medal! Best wishes to him for all future events."
Significance for Indian Weightlifting
Rishikanta's silver is a significant achievement for Indian weightlifting on the Commonwealth stage, adding to the country's medal tally. The 60kg category featured intense competition, with Rishikanta and Kasdan pushing each other to record totals. The Indian lifter's ability to break the Games snatch record highlights his potential for future international events. PT Usha's endorsement underscores the national pride in his performance and the expectations for his continued success.
