President Droupadi Murmu on July 26 extended her congratulations to Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu for securing India's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Chanu dominated the women's 48 kg weightlifting event, lifting 85 kg in snatch and 105 kg in clean and jerk to achieve her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Mirabai Chanu's Hat-Trick of Gold
In a post on social media platform X, the President lauded Chanu's exceptional achievement. "Heartiest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu on winning India's first Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in the women's 48 kg weightlifting event. With consecutive Gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, she has showcased exceptional grit, determination and excellence," the post from Rashtrapati Bhavan read. The President also highlighted that Chanu's remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration to young sportspersons across the country.
Chanu's hat-trick began with gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and continued with gold at the 2022 Birmingham Games. Her performance in Glasgow was a masterclass in consistency and technical prowess.
Silver and Bronze for India
President Murmu also congratulated weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning a silver medal in the men's 60 kg event. She called out his outstanding performance and unwavering determination in another post on X. "Heartiest congratulations to Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning Silver Medal in the Men's 60 kg Weightlifting event... Their outstanding performances and unwavering determination have brought immense pride to the nation," the President wrote.
Rishikanta lifted a total of 264 kg (121 kg snatch and 143 kg clean and jerk), setting a new Commonwealth Games snatch record of 121 kg. However, Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan clinched the gold with a Games record total of 273 kg, while Kenya's Joshua Mboya took bronze with 260 kg.
Para Powerlifting Bronze
President Murmu additionally lauded Jhandu Kumar for his bronze medal in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event. She praised his determination and wished him greater achievements in future. Jhandu's medal added to India's growing tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, highlighting the country's depth in strength sports.
India's medal count continues to climb as athletes across various disciplines compete in Glasgow. President Murmu's messages underscore the nation's pride in its sportspersons and their contributions to India's sporting legacy.
