Sports
‘This medal belongs to every Indian’: Rishikanta Singh dedicates historic CWG 2026 silver to PM Narendra Modi
The Manipur weightlifter credited the government’s support for Indian sports after winning India’s first medal of Day 4 at the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a record-breaking performance.
Indian weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam delivered a memorable performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026, winning a historic silver medal and dedicating his achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire nation.
Competing in the men’s 71kg weightlifting event in Glasgow, the athlete from Manipur secured India’s first medal of Day 4 after lifting a combined total of 264kg, finishing behind Malaysia’s Bin Kasdan Mohamad Aniq, who claimed the gold medal with a Games record of 273kg. Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya took the bronze with a total lift of 260kg.
‘This medal belongs to all of India’
Speaking to IANS after his podium finish, Rishikanta Singh expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his journey and dedicated the medal to the country.”I dedicate this silver medal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire nation. I fought very hard, and today I won a silver medal. I am very happy. This medal that I won today isn’t mine; it belongs to everyone, to all of India.”
The 24-year-old also acknowledged the contribution of the Government of India, the Indian Weightlifting Federation, the coaching staff, and his friends, saying their support played a crucial role in his success.
Record-breaking performance in the snatch
Rishikanta began the competition in sensational fashion, producing one of the finest performances of his career in the snatch discipline.
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After comfortably clearing 116kg and 119kg, the Indian lifter successfully lifted 121kg on his final attempt, setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the process. The lift briefly put him ahead of the field before Malaysia’s Bin Kasdan Mohamad Aniq responded with an equally impressive effort.
The record-breaking snatch showcased Rishikanta’s composure under pressure and kept him firmly in contention for the gold medal.
Gold slips away in clean and jerk
The Indian weightlifter opened the clean and jerk with a successful 143kg lift before narrowly missing his 148kg attempt.
In a bold bid to challenge for gold, he opted for 151kg on his final attempt. Although he managed to complete the clean, he could not finish the jerk, leaving his overall total at 264kg.
Meanwhile, Aniq successfully lifted 149kg and 152kg in the clean and jerk, taking his combined total to 273kg and securing the gold medal with another Games record.
Special thanks to coach Vijay Sharma
Despite narrowly missing the top spot, Rishikanta Singh remained grateful to those who guided him throughout his career, particularly Indian chief coach Vijay Sharma.”I take my Guru’s name, Vijay Sharma, under whom I train, the Indian Chief Coach. He taught us a lot about how to compete and how to train. I had no doubts about my training. I was completely focused.”
The weightlifter once again credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for encouraging Indian athletes through government support and initiatives aimed at strengthening sports in the country.
His silver medal not only marked another proud moment for India at the Commonwealth Games 2026 but also highlighted the country’s growing strength in international weightlifting.
