Rishikanta Singh Clinches India's First Silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games

When the weightlifting platform lit up in Glasgow, all eyes were on Chanambam Rishikanta Singh. The 22‑year‑old from Manipur stepped onto the stage for the men’s 60 kg category and, after a nail‑biting duel, walked away with a silver medal – India’s very first podium finish at these Games.

His total of 264 kg (121 kg in the snatch and 143 kg in the clean‑and‑jerk) was impressive, but just shy of Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan, who set a new Games record at 273 kg. Kenya’s Joshua Mboya settled for bronze with 260 kg. The numbers tell the story, but the emotion was palpable.

Rishikanta’s snatch started strong – 116 kg on his first attempt, then 119 kg, before he nailed a personal‑best 121 kg. That lift briefly tied him for the lead, a moment that sent the crowd into a hush of anticipation. Kasdan matched the 121 kg a heartbeat later, resetting the tension.

In the clean‑and‑jerk, Rishikanta opened safely at 143 kg, momentarily taking the overall edge. Kasdan answered with 145 kg and then 149 kg, nudging ahead. On his final attempt, Rishikanta needed 151 kg to claw back the gold. He completed the clean but couldn’t lock out the jerk – a heartbreaking finish, yet the silver gleamed bright.

The achievement didn’t go unnoticed in New Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X, "Kudos to Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning the Silver Medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. You have made the nation proud." Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya echoed the sentiment, saying the whole country felt his triumph.

Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi added a patriotic note: "When hard work meets determination, the Tricolour flies higher. Another medal, another moment of pride for the nation." Even Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju joined the chorus, praising Rishikanta’s "strength, resilience and determination" and wishing him many more podium finishes.

While the bronze earlier won by para‑powerlifter Jhandu Kumar was also a milestone, Rishikanta’s silver feels like a turning point – a sign that India’s weightlifting hopes are finally bearing fruit on the Commonwealth stage.

Fans across the country celebrated with hashtags, memes and endless replay loops. The young lifter’s journey from a modest gym in Imphal to the bright lights of Glasgow will likely inspire the next generation of Indian weightlifters.

As the Games continue, all eyes will be on whether India can convert this early promise into more medals. For now, Rishikanta Singh’s silver stands as a shining testament to perseverance, and a reminder that every lift carries a story of sweat, sacrifice, and a dream that refuses to quit.