Raja Muthupandi Urges Tamil Nadu to Boost Weightlifting Infrastructure

Call for Enhanced Weightlifting Facilities in Tamil Nadu

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 5: Raja Muthupandi, who earned a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, has made a heartfelt request to the Tamil Nadu government to set up weightlifting training centers in every district. He believes that better facilities will play a crucial role in discovering and developing future weightlifting talent in the region.

The Indian athlete, who clinched silver in the men’s 65kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, expressed his appreciation for the support he received from his parents, the Tamil Nadu community, and both the central and state governments for acknowledging his success.

Upon returning to India, Raja stated, “I dedicate this silver medal to my parents and the people of Tamil Nadu. The Malaysian competitor who secured gold was a formidable opponent. The Union Sports Minister hosted a dinner for Indian medalists in New Delhi and announced a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh for my achievement. I am also grateful to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay for announcing a cash reward of Rs 30 lakh just a day after my win. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to establish weightlifting training centers across all districts to foster young talent and enhance the sport in our state.”

Raja achieved a total lift of 286kg, which included 126kg in the snatch and 160kg in the clean and jerk, securing second place in his category and contributing to India's impressive medal tally in Glasgow.

The gold medal was claimed by Malaysia's Aznil Bin Bidin Muhamed, who set a Commonwealth Games record with a total lift of 299kg, marking his third consecutive title after victories in Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.

This silver medal signifies a remarkable comeback for the 26-year-old, whose career faced a serious setback due to a significant elbow ligament injury in 2019. His recovery was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and he missed the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games due to the absence of his weight category and tough domestic competition.

Raja made his return to the national team with the introduction of the 65kg category and gradually regained his form, highlighted by a ninth-place finish at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships, where he achieved a personal best of 299kg before reaching the podium at the Commonwealth Games.

His medal was part of a successful campaign for Indian weightlifting at the Glasgow 2026 Games. Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s 48kg category, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh also earned silver in the men’s 60kg event.

India concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games in fourth place on the overall medal table, amassing 39 medals—13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze. Weightlifting alone contributed eight medals to this total, including one gold, six silver, and one bronze.