Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam Wins Bronze at Commonwealth Games 2026
Prime Minister Modi Congratulates Bindyarani Devi
On July 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam for securing a bronze medal in the women's 58kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow.
In a post on X, PM Modi commended her dedication and hard work, expressing his hopes for her future achievements.
He stated, "Another medal for India in Weightlifting! I am proud of Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam for clinching a Bronze in the Women’s 58kg event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Her success stems from her relentless effort and determination. I wish her all the best for her future endeavors."
Bindyarani's Performance at the Games
Bindyarani showcased remarkable skill to earn her second medal at the Commonwealth Games, finishing behind Nigeria's Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, who took gold with a record total of 229kg, and Canada's Ann Sophie Taschereau, who secured silver with 215kg.
She began her snatch attempts with a strategic adjustment from her coaching team, lowering her first lift from 85kg to 83kg, which she cleared with ease. She then successfully lifted 85kg and 87kg, tying with England's Eliza Pratt but advancing on countback.
In the clean and jerk segment, her first attempt of 110kg was disqualified after a jury review due to an elbow buckle. However, she rebounded strongly, lifting 112kg on her second try, bringing her total to 199kg and briefly placing her in silver medal contention.
Although she attempted 116kg for a personal best and a higher ranking, she was unable to complete the lift. Nevertheless, her total of 199kg was sufficient to earn her the bronze medal.
Significance of Bindyarani's Achievement
This bronze medal marks Bindyarani's second Commonwealth Games medal, following her silver at the Birmingham 2022 Games. Her accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it comes after her recovery from a knee injury in 2023 and her transition between the 55kg and 58kg weight classes.
With this victory, India's medal tally at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games has reached six, which includes one in para powerlifting. So far, India has secured one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
The Indian medalists in Glasgow include Mirabai Chanu (gold, weightlifting), Rishikanta Singh (silver, weightlifting), Muthupandi Raja (silver, weightlifting), Gyaneshwari Yadav (silver, weightlifting), Bindyarani Devi (bronze, weightlifting), and Jhandu Kumar (bronze, para powerlifting).