Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday lauded Raja Muthupandi's silver-medal performance in the Men's 65kg weightlifting event of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling it another proud achievement for India.
Muthupandi capped a memorable comeback by clinching the silver medal in the men's 65kg weightlifting event on Sunday (local time). He finished with a combined total of 286kg, lifting 126kg in the snatch and 160kg in the clean and jerk to secure second place on the podium.
Mandaviya's Praise
"Proud Moment for Indian Weightlifting! Many congratulations to Raja Muthupandi for clinching Silver in Men's 65kg Weightlifting," Mandaviya wrote in an X post. The minister's post highlighted the significance of the achievement for the sport in India.
Malaysia's Aznil Bin Bidin Muhamed claimed the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record total of 299kg, sealing his third successive Commonwealth Games title after victories at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
Muthupandi's Performance
The 26-year-old Indian made a strong start to his campaign, successfully lifting 126kg in the snatch on his second attempt. He then cleared 160kg in the clean and jerk, also on his second attempt, to register a total lift of 286kg. This secured the silver medal and added another podium finish to India's tally in Glasgow.
Muthupandi's medal came after a strong showing by Indian weightlifters on Sunday. Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu secured a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women's 48kg category, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh claimed silver in the men's 60kg event.
India's Rich Haul in Weightlifting
Mirabai Chanu's gold was her third consecutive Commonwealth Games title, reinforcing her dominance in the 48kg category. Rishikanta Singh's silver in the men's 60kg event further boosted India's medal tally. With Muthupandi's silver, India added three weightlifting medals on Sunday alone.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have seen strong performances from Indian athletes across disciplines. The weightlifting contingent has been particularly successful, with multiple podium finishes. Mandaviya's tweet reflects the government's recognition of these achievements.
Muthupandi's silver is seen as a comeback, given the competition from experienced lifters like Malaysian champion Aznil Bin Bidin Muhamed, who set a new Games record. India's weightlifting program continues to produce medal winners, raising hopes for future international events.
