Harjinder Kaur Shines with Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026

Harjinder Kaur's Silver Medal Achievement

Indian weightlifter Harjinder Kaur has significantly boosted India's medal count by securing a silver medal in the Women's 69kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026, held in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 28.

Harjinder achieved a personal best by lifting a total of 227kg, which included 101kg in the snatch and 126kg in the clean and jerk, earning her a commendable second place. This victory marks India's seventh medal in weightlifting and the twelfth overall at the ongoing Commonwealth Games, highlighting the nation's strength in this sport.

Competition Highlights

In the same weight category, Canada's Charlotte Simoneau took home the gold medal with a record lift of 240kg, while Australia's Nya Hayman secured the bronze with a total of 218kg.

Emotional Connection with Family

Immediately after her victory, Harjinder Kaur reached out to her mother, a tradition she maintains after every major competition. However, this call was filled with emotion rather than celebration.

In an interview, Harjinder shared that her mother felt 'a little upset' due to her prolonged absence from home during training and competitions. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as her mother reflected on the sacrifices made for Harjinder's success.

"I always call my mother first when I win a medal, and today was no exception; I spoke to her briefly right after my event as she was a bit upset with me for being away for so long," the 29-year-old athlete explained.

Harjinder's Journey in Weightlifting

Previously, Harjinder competed in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she earned a bronze medal in the women's 71kg category. Four years later, she improved her performance by moving to the 69kg division and achieving silver with a career-best lift of 227kg.

Reflecting on her journey, Harjinder expressed that this achievement is particularly special as it signifies her growth from her previous Commonwealth Games medal, rewarding her months of dedicated training.

Background of Harjinder Kaur

Harjinder Kaur comes from a modest background in the Nabha division of Patiala district, Punjab. Initially involved in Kabaddi, she transitioned to weightlifting at the encouragement of her coach, Paramjeet Sharma, who recognized her physical potential.

At 20, while studying at Punjabi University in Patiala, she began her weightlifting journey under Paramjeet's guidance. Her family faced financial challenges, with her father, Sahib Singh, working as a farmer to support her aspirations.

Harjinder has mentioned that her early training involved cutting fodder on a traditional toka machine, which helped her develop the strength necessary for weightlifting. She has since won multiple national medals, including a gold at the National Weightlifting Championships in 2024.

International Recognition

Harjinder's international career took off when she won a silver medal in the 71kg category at the 2021 Commonwealth Championships. She followed this with a gold medal in the same event in 2023, establishing herself as a top contender in Indian weightlifting. In 2025, she also secured a bronze at the Commonwealth Championships.

Her first Commonwealth Games medal was a bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Games, and she has now upgraded her achievement to silver at the 2026 Glasgow Games, showcasing her dedication and hard work.

Further Recognition

Before the Commonwealth Games 2026, Harjinder also won a bronze medal in Snatch at the 2026 Asian Championships.

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