India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 medal rush in weightlifting got Prime Minister Narendra Modi elated as he congratulated both Mirabai Chanu and Rishikanta Singh for their efforts. Mirabai won her third straight CWG gold medal as she breezed past competition in the 48 kg category.
Rishikanta also produced a sensational performance to secure a silver medal in the men’s 60kg category. PM Modi took to X to congratulate both athletes in separate tweets. PM Modi called Mirabai’s achievement as another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting and praised her for bringing home her fourth CWG medal.
INDIA AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES: DAY 3 UPDATES
“Another glorious chapter in Indian Weightlifting!”
“The talented Mirabai Chanu once again showcased her skills at the Commonwealth Games with a stunning performance in the 48 kg category and winning Gold. With back-to-back Commonwealth Games Golds and an overall fourth CWG medal to her name, she remains an inspiration for every Indian. Congratulations to her! Best wishes for the endeavours ahead,” said PM Modi on X.
PM Modi was very proud of the efforts from Rishikanta and wished that he can continue to inspire future generations.
“Very proud of Indian lifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam for winning a Silver Medal and also achieving his personal best. His determination and outstanding performance have brought immense joy to the nation. May he continue to scale greater heights and inspire many young athletes. Best wishes for his future endeavours!” said Modi.
HOW DID MIRABAI, RISHIKANTA PERFORM?
Mirabai produced another commanding display to retain her Commonwealth Games crown in the women’s 48kg category, smashing the Commonwealth and Games records with a combined lift of 190kg (85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk). The triumph handed India its first gold medal of the 2026 Games and third medal overall, after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar had opened the country’s account with a bronze in the men’s heavyweight event.
Despite missing her opening lift in both disciplines, the 31-year-old recovered brilliantly to finish a remarkable 22kg ahead of Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who claimed silver with 168kg. With the gold already secured and the Asian Games just weeks away, Mirabai chose not to attempt her final clean and jerk lift after already rewriting the Games records in the clean and jerk and overall total.
Earlier in the day, Rishikanta Singh earned silver in the men’s 60kg event. The Manipuri weightlifter equalled the Commonwealth Games snatch record by lifting 121kg and led the field heading into the clean and jerk. However, two failed attempts at 143kg prevented him from mounting a serious challenge for gold, leaving him with a total of 264kg.
Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan surged ahead with a Games record lift of 152kg in the clean and jerk to clinch gold on 273kg overall, while Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya completed the podium with a total of 260kg.
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