Indian Weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Clinches Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026
Indian weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh secured a silver medal in the men's 60kg event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday. This marked India's first medal at the ongoing Games, and the second overall after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar's bronze earlier. Singh's total of 264kg (121kg snatch + 143kg clean and jerk) earned him the runner-up spot behind Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan, who set a Games record with 273kg (121kg snatch + 152kg clean and jerk). Kenya's Joshua Mboya took bronze with 260kg.
Singh started strongly in the snatch, clearing 116kg before improving to 119kg. On his final attempt, he lifted 121kg, breaking the Commonwealth Games snatch record and setting a new personal best. However, Kasdan equaled the effort moments later, leaving the two lifters tied after the first discipline. In the clean and jerk, Singh safely opened with 143kg to temporarily lead with 264kg. Kasdan responded with lifts of 145kg and 149kg to move ahead with 270kg. Needing 151kg to reclaim the lead, Singh completed the clean but could not lock out the jerk, ending his gold challenge. Kasdan then lifted 152kg in his final attempt to register a Games record total of 273kg.
Congratulatory Messages from Union Leaders
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Singh on social media, saying, "Kudos to Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning the Silver Medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. You have made the nation proud with your victory. May success always be your companion." Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also extended his congratulations, stating, "Heartiest congratulations to Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning the Silver Medal in Weightlifting Men's 60kg. The entire nation is proud of you."
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju praised Singh's determination and resilience, saying, "Another shining moment for Indian sports! Heartiest congratulations to Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 60 kg Weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Your remarkable performance reflects unwavering determination, strength & resilience. The nation is immensely proud of you. Wishing you many more podium finishes ahead." Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also lauded the achievement, noting that Singh's performance brought pride to the country.
The silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games adds to India's rich history in weightlifting at the quadrennial event. Singh's performance, highlighted by a new Games record in snatch, underscores the country's growing strength in the discipline. This report is based on an ANI news update.
