Imphal Welcomes Commonwealth Games Medalists Rishikanta and Bindyarani

Celebration at Imphal Airport

On Monday, weightlifters Chanambam Rishikanta Singh and Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, both hailing from Imphal, received a grand reception at Imphal Airport after their success at the Commonwealth Games 2026. The athletes shared their aspirations to excel in future competitions.

Rishikanta's Journey and Olympic Aspirations

During a press interaction at the airport, Rishikanta expressed gratitude towards his family, friends, coaches, and various sports organizations for their unwavering support throughout his journey, especially given his humble beginnings. He aimed for gold but secured a silver medal in the men's 60kg category, despite battling knee pain. Rishikanta is now focused on preparing for the Olympics and Asian Games.

"I owe my success to my parents, my elder brother, and my friends. The National Sports Academy, the Sports Authority of India, and the Indian Weightlifting Federation also played crucial roles in my journey. Coming from a financially challenged background, I appreciate everyone who supported me. My goal is to train for the Olympics and Asian Games," he stated.

"I had hoped for gold, but due to knee pain, I ended up with silver. Nonetheless, I am very happy with my achievement," he added.

A Proud Moment for India

BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh congratulated Rishikanta and his family, calling his achievement a significant moment for the nation. He acknowledged the collective effort of those who supported Rishikanta and emphasized Manipur's rich sporting heritage.

"This is a proud moment for our country. Rishikanta, from my constituency, deserves hearty congratulations along with his family and supporters. He has brought honor to our nation, and Manipur has a strong history of excellence in sports," he remarked.

Bindyarani Devi's Joyful Bronze Win

Bindyarani Devi also expressed her joy after clinching a bronze medal in her second Commonwealth Games appearance. She is eager to participate in upcoming competitions and aims to perform at her best.

"I am thrilled to have won a bronze medal in my second Commonwealth Games. I look forward to future events and hope to excel in them," she shared.

India's Performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The 2026 Commonwealth Games adopted a compact format, resulting in the exclusion of several traditional medal-winning events for India, such as shooting, wrestling, and badminton. India concluded the Glasgow Games in fourth place on the medals table, securing a total of 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze.