PM Modi praises Mirabai Chanu, Rishikanta Singh after winning CWG weightlifting medals

India’s 2026 Commonwealth Games medal rush in weightlifting has cheered Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he congratulated Mirabai Chanu and Rishikanta Singh for their efforts. Mirabai won her third consecutive CWG gold medal how she overtook the competition in the category under 48 kg.

Rishikanta also put in a sensational performance to secure the silver medal in the category of men under 60 kg. PM Modi went to X to congratulate both the athletes in separate tweets. Terming Mirabai’s achievement as another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting, PM Modi praised her for bringing home her fourth CWG medal.

INDIA AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES: DAY 3 UPDATE

“Another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting!”

“Talented Mirabai Chanu once again showcased her skills at the Commonwealth Games with a stunning performance in the 48kg category and winning gold. With Commonwealth Games gold medals and a fourth CWG medal overall to her name, she remains an inspiration to every Indian. Congratulations to her! Wishing her all the best in her future endeavours,” said PM Modredi: To X. (X.) ModiC.

PM Modi was very proud of Rishikanta’s efforts and wished that he could continue to inspire future generations.

“I am very proud of Indian weightlifter Rishikant Singh Chanambam for winning a silver medal and also achieving his personal best. His determination and outstanding performance have brought immense joy to the nation. May he continue to reach greater heights and inspire many young athletes. Wishing him all the best in his future endeavours!” Modi said. (Credit: Narendra Modi X)

HOW DID MIRABAI, RISHIKANTA DO?

Mirabai produced another commanding display to retain her Commonwealth Games crown in the women’s 48kg category, breaking the Commonwealth and Games records with a combined lift of 190kg (85kg in snatch and 105kg in throw). The triumph gave India its first gold medal of the 2026 Games and third medal overall after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar opened the country’s account with a bronze in the men’s heavyweight division.

Despite missing the opening lift in both events, the 31-year-old recovered brilliantly to finish a remarkable 22kg ahead of Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who claimed silver at 168kg. With the gold already secured and the Asian Games just weeks away, Mirabai decided not to attempt her final clean and jerk after already breaking the Games records in the clean and jerk and the total.

Earlier in the day, Rishikanta Singh won silver in the men’s 60kg event. The Manipuri weightlifter lifted 121kg to equal the Commonwealth Games record and lead the field heading into the clean and jerk. However, two failed attempts at 143kg prevented him from seriously challenging for gold, leaving him with a total of 264kg.

Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan surged forward with a Games record 152kg in the clean and jerk to win gold with a total of 273kg, while Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya completed the podium with a total of 260kg.

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Published on:

26 Jul 2026 22:01 IST