New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Indian weightlifting medalists who delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Competing in 11 weight categories, India won 8 medals (1 gold, 6 silver, 1 bronze) and set several Commonwealth records alongside personal best performances.
The Honorable Minister awarded cash prizes of ₹30 lakh to gold medalists, ₹20 lakh to silver medalists, and ₹10 lakh to bronze medalists for their outstanding success at the Commonwealth Games. Indian weightlifters delivered the country’s best-ever performance at these games.
Congratulating the weightlifters, Dr. Mandaviya stated that their magnificent achievements have filled the entire nation with pride and joy. He emphasized that their medal wins were also appreciated in Parliament, creating moments of immense pride for every Indian.
Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu created history by winning the gold medal at her third consecutive Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile, Rishikanta Singh and Valluri Ajay Babu set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch event. Several Indian weightlifters, including Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur, also recorded career-best performances.
Six of the 11 participating weightlifters are ‘Khelo India Athletes’ (KIAs). Among the medal winners, Gyaneshwari is a Khelo India Athlete, while Bindyarani Devi, Harjinder, and other athletes train at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Patiala. This centre plays a pivotal role in the success of India’s ecosystem for developing grassroots and elite athletes.
Dr. Mandaviya discussed the weightlifters’ struggles, their journey to success, and their preparations for the 2026 Asian Games. The athletes shared their experiences regarding training, the support they received, and their achievements.
Dr. Mandaviya stated that schemes like Khelo India have produced numerous medal winners. He noted that the government is preparing young athletes for global competitions by providing them with better training, scientific support, and world-class facilities, enabling them to compete against the best players in the world.
(PIB)
