Indian Weightlifters Honored for Commonwealth Games Success

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya honored India's weightlifting medallists from the Commonwealth Games 2026, celebrating their historic achievements and awarding cash prizes. The event highlighted the athletes' remarkable performances, including record-breaking lifts and personal bests. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of coaches in shaping champions and encouraged athletes to inspire the next generation. With a focus on grassroots development through initiatives like Khelo India, the government aims to support athletes in their journey to compete at the highest levels. This recognition not only celebrates individual success but also aims to foster a sporting culture in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 3, 2026, 14:57 IST

Celebrating Weightlifting Achievements

On Monday, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, recognized the remarkable achievements of India's weightlifting team at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow. Competing across 11 weight categories, Indian athletes secured a total of eight medals, comprising one gold, six silver, and one bronze. The contingent also set multiple Commonwealth records and saw several athletes achieve personal bests.

Financial Rewards for Medal Winners

During the event, the Sports Minister awarded cash prizes to the medalists: Rs 30 lakh for gold medalists, Rs 20 lakh for silver medalists, and Rs 10 lakh for bronze medalists, acknowledging their exceptional performances that marked one of India's strongest showings at the Commonwealth Games.

Mandaviya's Praise for Athletes

Mandaviya expressed his congratulations to the weightlifters, stating that their accomplishments were celebrated nationwide. He noted, "Every time you won a medal, announcements were made in Parliament, making every Indian proud."

Tribute to Coaches

The Minister also honored the coaches, including Dronacharya awardee Vijay Sharma, who was present at the ceremony. He emphasized the crucial role coaches play in developing champions, stating, "The guru has the biggest role in an athlete's journey. There is nothing greater than a coach's contribution in creating champions."

Historic Performances and Grassroots Development

Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu made history by becoming the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals. Additionally, Rishikanta Singh and Valluri Ajay Babu set new records in the Snatch category. Many lifters, including Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur, achieved personal bests, showcasing India's growing prowess in weightlifting.

Among the 11 competitors, six are Khelo India Athletes (KIAs). Notably, Gyaneshwari is a Khelo India athlete, while Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder train at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Patiala, highlighting the success of India's athlete development programs.

Inspiring Future Generations

Mandaviya encouraged the athletes to act as ambassadors for sports, urging them to visit schools and colleges to inspire youth to engage in sports. He stated, "Your stories can motivate thousands of children to dream big. Together, we are taking decisive steps towards building a truly sporting nation."

The Minister also engaged with the weightlifters about their journeys, struggles, and aspirations for upcoming competitions, particularly the Asian Games 2026. The athletes shared their experiences of overcoming challenges and the support they received through national coaching camps and scientific training.

Encouragement for All Athletes

For those who narrowly missed out on medals, Mandaviya offered words of encouragement, saying, "A sportsperson never truly loses. What matters is the passion to keep improving. I believe the blessings of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the support of 140 crore Indians are always with you."

He also highlighted the government's long-term vision for Indian sports, noting that many medalists emerged from initiatives like Khelo India, which provides young athletes with top-notch coaching and competitive exposure. "The country has invested in you because it believes in your potential. Every possible facility is being created so that Indian athletes can compete with the very best in the world," he concluded.