Indian Weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Wins Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026
Celebrating Rishikanta Singh's Achievement
On Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi, extended their congratulations to Indian weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh for securing a silver medal in the men's 60kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow.
This silver medal is significant as it marks India's first medal at the current Games, following a bronze medal won by para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar earlier.
Leaders Praise Rishikanta Singh
Rajnath Singh took to social media platform X to commend Rishikanta for his remarkable achievement, stating, "Heartiest congratulations to Rishikanta Singh on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 60kg Weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Your outstanding performance has made the nation proud. Wishing you continued success in the years ahead. May you achieve even greater milestones and bring many more laurels to India."
Delhi's Chief Minister also recognized Rishikanta's impressive 121kg snatch, calling it a testament to his talent and hard work. She expressed her best wishes for his future endeavors, saying, "Heartiest congratulations to India's young weightlifter Rishikant Singh Chanambam for winning the silver medal in the 60 kg weightlifting competition at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Lifting 121 kilograms in the snatch to establish a new Commonwealth Games record is a testament to your extraordinary talent, discipline, and tireless hard work. Heartiest best wishes for your bright future and golden successes in upcoming competitions."
Piyush Goyal also congratulated Rishikanta, emphasizing his dedication and resilience, stating, "Heartiest congratulations to Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 60kg Weightlifting category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Your dedication, resilience, and years of perseverance have brought immense pride to the nation. Wishing you continued success ahead."
Pralhad Joshi echoed similar sentiments, praising Rishikanta's record-breaking lift and calling it a proud moment for India. He stated, "Heartiest congratulations to Rishikant Singh Chanambam on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 60 kg Weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Your record-breaking 121 kg snatch, setting a new Commonwealth Games record, is a moment of immense pride for the nation. Wishing you continued success in the years ahead."
Event Highlights
Rishikanta achieved a total lift of 264kg (121kg in snatch and 143kg in clean and jerk), while Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan won the gold medal with a total of 273kg (121kg snatch and 152kg clean and jerk). Kenya's Joshua Mboya secured the bronze with a total of 260kg (115kg snatch and 145kg clean and jerk).
The Indian lifter began strongly in the snatch, successfully lifting 116kg and then 119kg. He capped this with a record-breaking lift of 121kg, which set a new Commonwealth Games record and marked a personal best. Kasdan matched this lift shortly after, resulting in a tie after the snatch round.
In the clean and jerk, Rishikanta opened with a successful lift of 143kg, temporarily taking the overall lead with a total of 264kg. However, Kasdan responded by lifting 145kg and then 149kg, moving ahead with a total of 270kg.
In a bid to reclaim the lead, Rishikanta attempted a lift of 151kg on his final try but was unable to complete the jerk, ending his pursuit for gold. Kasdan concluded his performance with a final lift of 152kg, achieving a Games record total of 273kg.