India’s Rishikanta Singh Chanambam scripted history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow by winning the silver medal in the men’s 60kg weightlifting event, becoming the first male weightlifter from Manipur to earn a Commonwealth Games medal. The 28-year-old delivered a stunning performance by setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a 121kg lift before finishing with a total of 264kg. While Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan claimed gold with a Games record total of 273kg, Rishikanta’s landmark achievement added India’s second overall medal and the country’s first in weightlifting to its campaign in Scotland.
Commonwealth Games 2026 Glory
Rishikanta announced his intent from the very beginning of the competition. He successfully lifted 116kg in his opening snatch attempt before improving to 119kg in his second. On his final attempt, he lifted an impressive 121kg, setting a new Commonwealth Games snatch record and surpassing his previous personal best of 120kg, achieved at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan matched the 121kg lift in his final snatch attempt, leaving both lifters tied heading into the clean and jerk. The battle for gold remained wide open.
Rishikanta successfully opened with 143kg in the clean and jerk, briefly moving into the overall lead. However, he was unable to complete his subsequent attempts of 148kg and 151kg. Kasdan, meanwhile, produced flawless lifts of 145kg, 149kg and 152kg to finish with a Games record total of 273kg and secure the gold medal. Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya claimed bronze with 260kg.
Although Rishikanta narrowly missed the top podium finish, his silver medal marked one of India’s standout performances of the Games.
Rishikanta Singh’s Inspiring Journey
Born on July 5, 1998, in Imphal West, Manipur, Rishikanta Chanambam’s journey has been built on years of discipline and perseverance. He trained at the National Sports Academy in Khuman Lampak before joining the Indian Army, where he refined his skills under India’s chief weightlifting coach, Vijay Sharma.
Initially competing in the 55kg category, Rishikanta later transitioned to the 60kg division, a move that has transformed his career. He announced himself on the international stage by winning gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad with a personal-best total of 271kg, earning qualification for Glasgow.
His silver medal at the Commonwealth Games is another milestone in what has become a steadily rising international career.
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.… pic.twitter.com/ab6hAi7vnA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2026
PM Modi Congratulates Rishikanta
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rishikanta on social media, applauding both his silver medal and his record-breaking performance.
“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,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also praised the Manipuri athlete, saying the entire nation was proud of his achievement.
Despite winning silver, Rishikanta admitted he was not completely satisfied with his performance because a knee issue affected his clean and jerk attempts.
Despite his historic silver medal, Rishikanta admitted he was not entirely satisfied with his performance. He said his snatch attempts went according to plan and resulted in a record-breaking lift, but a knee problem hampered his performance in the clean and jerk. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that with continued hard work, he hopes to return stronger and win a medal at the Asian Games.
The weightlifter dedicated his medal to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, while thanking the Indian Government, the Indian Weightlifting Federation, his coach Vijay Sharma, support staff and teammates for standing by him throughout his journey.
Manipur Weightlifting Legacy Continues
Rishikanta’s silver medal carries significance beyond his personal success.
Manipur has long been regarded as India’s weightlifting powerhouse, producing internationally acclaimed athletes including Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu, Commonwealth champions Sanjita Chanu, Renu Bala Chanu, Sonia Chanu, and legendary lifter Kunjarani Devi. However, until now, no male weightlifter from the state had managed to reach the Commonwealth Games podium.
His achievement therefore represents both a historic first and a continuation of Manipur’s remarkable contribution to Indian sport. It also highlights the depth of talent emerging from India’s northeastern states, where sporting excellence is often driven by strong community support, disciplined coaching systems and exceptional resilience.
With the Asian Games and future Olympic qualification events approaching, Rishikanta has firmly established himself as one of India’s brightest medal prospects in weightlifting.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While much of the coverage has rightly focused on Rishikanta Singh’s silver medal and his record-breaking 121kg snatch, an equally important story lies in what his success represents for Indian sport. His achievement is not just another medal, it marks the emergence of the first Manipuri male weightlifter to win a Commonwealth Games medal, expanding a legacy that has, until now, largely been defined by women champions.
His journey also reflects the growing impact of India’s sports ecosystem, where institutional support from the Army, federations and national training programmes is helping athletes from smaller towns compete with the world’s best. Even after setting a Games record, Rishikanta openly acknowledged his disappointment over missing gold due to a knee problem a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines elite sport.
Beyond the podium, his story is one of perseverance, long-term investment in grassroots talent and the evolution of Indian weightlifting. It reinforces that sustainable sporting success is built not only on individual brilliance but also on coaching, infrastructure and opportunities that allow athletes from every corner of the country to dream bigger. As India prepares for the Asian Games and the road to the Olympics, Rishikanta Singh’s breakthrough offers inspiration that extends far beyond a single silver medal.
