Bindyarani Devi Secures Bronze at Commonwealth Games 2026

Bindyarani Devi's Triumph in Weightlifting

Bindyarani Devi has added to India's impressive weightlifting achievements by earning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026. The 27-year-old athlete from Manipur successfully lifted a total of 199kg, securing her place on the podium. She began her competition with lifts of 83kg, 85kg, and 87kg in the snatch event. In the clean and jerk segment, she managed one valid lift of 112kg. The gold medal was claimed by Nigeria's Rafiatu Folasha Lawal, who set a new CWG record with a lift of 229kg, while Canada's Ann Sophie Taschereau took home the silver with a lift of 215kg. Bindyarani's final lift of 112kg was crucial in earning her second medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Born on January 27, 1999, in Manipur, Bindyarani was motivated by the legendary Mirabai Chanu, who encouraged her to focus on her nutrition. Mirabai herself is a three-time CWG gold medalist and has a total of four CWG medals, including one silver. Bindyarani also won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The bronze she earned at CWG 2026 marks her second medal at this prestigious event, having previously secured a silver in the 55kg category at the 2022 CWG with a total lift of 202kg. Currently, she competes in the 58kg category.

Prior to the Commonwealth Games, Bindyarani prepared by winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Championships 2025 in the 58kg category. She also has a gold medal from the 2019 Commonwealth Senior Championships and a silver from the 2021 edition.

Support from the Government

Bindyarani participated in an Acclimatisation Training Camp in Birmingham before the CWG, which was financially supported by the Indian government. Additionally, the government provided funding for her training at the National Coaching Camp in Patiala and her participation in the AWF Asian Senior Weightlifting Championship. With two CWG medals to her credit, Bindyarani has established herself on the global stage and is now aiming for medals at the Olympics and Asian Games.