Indian Weightlifters Honored for Commonwealth Games Success
Celebrating Weightlifting Achievements
On August 3, in New Delhi, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, recognized the remarkable achievements of India's weightlifting team at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow.
The Indian weightlifting squad participated in 11 different weight categories, securing a total of eight medals: one gold, six silver, and one bronze. Additionally, the athletes set multiple Commonwealth Games records and achieved personal bests during the competition.
In acknowledgment of their stellar performances, the Sports Minister awarded cash prizes of Rs 30 lakh for gold medalists, Rs 20 lakh for silver medalists, and Rs 10 lakh for bronze medalists, highlighting the strength of India's weightlifting campaign.
Mandaviya expressed that the entire nation celebrated the athletes' successes, stating, “Every time you won a medal, announcements were made in Parliament, making every Indian proud.”
He also paid tribute to the coaches, including Dronacharya awardee Vijay Sharma, who was present at the event, emphasizing their crucial role in developing champions.
“The contribution of a coach is unparalleled in an athlete's journey,” Mandaviya remarked, as noted in the official release.
Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic silver medalist, made history by becoming the first Indian weightlifter to clinch three consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
Rishikanta Singh and Valluri Ajay Babu also set new Commonwealth Games records in the Snatch category. Other lifters, such as Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur, achieved personal bests, showcasing India's growing prowess in weightlifting.
Among the 11 competitors, six were Khelo India Athletes (KIAs). Notably, Gyaneshwari is a Khelo India athlete, while Bindyarani Devi, Harjinder, and others train at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Patiala, reflecting the success of India's athlete development programs.
Mandaviya encouraged the athletes to serve as ambassadors for sports, urging them to visit schools and colleges to inspire youth to engage in sports. “Your stories can motivate countless children to aspire for greatness,” he stated.
During the event, the Minister conversed with the weightlifters about their challenges, journeys to success, and future aspirations, particularly for the Asian Games 2026.
The athletes shared their experiences of overcoming obstacles, the support from national coaching camps, international exposure, and scientific training, expressing their commitment to continue bringing glory to the nation.
For those who narrowly missed out on medals, Mandaviya offered encouragement, saying, “A sportsperson never truly loses. What matters is the drive to improve. The blessings of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the support of 140 crore Indians are always with you.”
He emphasized the government's long-term vision for sports in India, noting that many medalists emerged from initiatives like Khelo India, which provides young athletes with top-notch coaching, scientific assistance, and competitive opportunities.
“The country has invested in you because it believes in your potential. We are creating every possible facility for Indian athletes to compete at the highest levels globally,” he concluded.