Chanambam Rishikanta Singh Shines with Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026

Chanambam Rishikanta Singh has made headlines by winning a silver medal in the men's 60kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026. His family expressed immense pride in his achievement, despite narrowly missing gold. Rishikanta's performance included a personal-best lift, breaking records and earning accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This article delves into his journey, the competition highlights, and the family's emotional response to his success. Discover how Rishikanta's dedication has inspired many and contributed to India's medal tally at the Games.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2026, 23:38 IST

Proud Family Celebrates Rishikanta's Silver Medal Achievement

Imphal (Manipur) [India], July 26: The family of Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, who secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, expressed immense pride in his accomplishment, even though he narrowly missed out on gold during his personal-best performance in Glasgow.

In the men's 60kg weightlifting category, Rishikanta achieved a combined lift of 264kg (121kg in snatch and 143kg in clean and jerk), marking India's first silver medal of the Games. The gold medal was claimed by Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan, who set a Commonwealth Games record with a total lift of 273 kg, while Kenya's Joshua Mboya took home the bronze with 260 kg.

Rishikanta's younger brother, Chanambam Premchandra, shared that while the family had hoped for gold, they were thrilled with the outcome. "I expected my brother to win gold, but I am very proud of his achievement," Premchandra remarked.

Chanambam Ongbi Ichan, Rishikanta's sister-in-law, expressed the family's joy at witnessing his hard work pay off on an international platform. "We were all very excited and happy that his dedication has finally borne fruit," she stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to congratulate Rishikanta, commending his determination and wishing him further success. He wrote, "Very proud of Indian lifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam for winning a Silver Medal and achieving his personal best. His determination and outstanding performance have brought immense joy to the nation. May he continue to inspire young athletes!"

Rishikanta's silver medal was India's second at the Glasgow Games, following para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar's bronze, and came just before Olympic champion Mirabai Chanu secured the country's first gold in the women's 48 kg weightlifting event.

During the 60kg competition, Rishikanta delivered one of his best performances, successfully lifting 116kg and 119kg before achieving a personal-best of 121kg in the snatch, breaking the Commonwealth Games snatch record. Kasdan matched this effort, leaving both lifters tied after the snatch.

Rishikanta then opened the clean and jerk with a successful lift of 143 kg, briefly taking the overall lead. However, Kasdan responded with lifts of 145 kg and 149 kg, ultimately sealing the gold with a Games-record lift of 152 kg. Rishikanta needed 151kg on his final attempt to surpass the Malaysian but, despite completing the clean, he couldn't lock out the jerk, finishing with a memorable silver medal and a new personal best.