Rishikanta Singh Wins CWG Silver

Rishikanta Singh made India proud by winning the silver medal in the men’s 60kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. The talented weightlifter delivered an outstanding performance by lifting a combined 264kg, making him one of India’s top performers at the Games. During the competition, he also created history by setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a remarkable lift of 121kg.

His silver medal became India’s second medal of the tournament and highlighted the country’s continued success in international weightlifting. Apart from being an accomplished athlete, Rishikanta is also a proud member of the Indian Army, where he has received valuable training and support throughout his sporting journey.

Historic Performance in Glasgow

The men’s 60kg weightlifting event witnessed a thrilling contest among some of the best lifters in the Commonwealth.

Rishikanta Singh completed the competition with a total lift of 264kg, which included:

• Snatch: 121kg
• Clean and Jerk: 143kg

His 121kg lift in the snatch not only placed him among the top competitors but also set a new Commonwealth Games record in the discipline.

Although he delivered an exceptional performance, Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq bin Kasdan claimed the gold medal by setting Games records in both the clean and jerk and overall total.

Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya secured the bronze medal.

Commonwealth Games Snatch Record

One of the biggest highlights of Rishikanta’s performance was his record-breaking snatch lift.

The 121kg lift became a new Commonwealth Games record, demonstrating his excellent strength and technical ability.

The snatch event requires athletes to lift the barbell from the ground to overhead in one smooth movement, making it one of the most challenging disciplines in weightlifting.

Breaking a Games record at such a major international event is a significant achievement and reflects years of dedicated training.

Journey from Manipur

Rishikanta Singh was raised in Imphal West, Manipur, a state known for producing several talented sportspersons.

From a young age, he showed interest in weightlifting and gradually developed into one of India’s top lifters.

His sporting career received a major boost after joining the Indian Army, where he gained access to better coaching, modern facilities, and regular competition.

The Army’s sports programme has played an important role in developing many successful Indian athletes, and Rishikanta is one of its finest examples.

Gold Medal Before Commonwealth Games

Before competing in Glasgow, Rishikanta had already established himself on the international stage.

At the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Ahmedabad, he won the gold medal in the 60kg category.

He registered a combined lift of 271kg, setting a new national record.

That outstanding performance also secured his direct qualification for the Commonwealth Games 2026.

His consistent improvement over the years prepared him well for the biggest stage.

National Record Achievements

Rishikanta has continued to improve his performances in recent years.

During the 2024 National Weightlifting Championships, he set a national snatch record of 124kg while competing in the 61kg category.

Later, after moving to the newly introduced 60kg weight category, he continued performing at a high level.

His ability to adapt to a new weight class while maintaining world-class performances reflects his discipline and determination.

Experience at Commonwealth Games

The Glasgow Games marked Rishikanta Singh’s second Commonwealth Games appearance.

Earlier, he represented India in the 55kg category at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Although he did not win a medal in his first appearance, the experience helped him prepare for future international competitions.

His silver medal in Glasgow demonstrates the remarkable progress he has made over the past four years.

India’s Weightlifting Success

Weightlifting has once again become one of India’s strongest sports at the Commonwealth Games.

Indian athletes have won medals across several weight categories, reflecting the country’s growing strength in the sport.

India’s success has been driven by:

• Better coaching
• Modern sports science
• Improved training facilities
• Strong grassroots programmes
• International competition experience

Athletes like Rishikanta Singh continue to inspire young weightlifters across the country.

Bright Future Ahead

Winning a silver medal while setting a Commonwealth Games record is a major achievement in Rishikanta’s career.

His performances at national and international competitions show that he has the ability to compete with the world’s best weightlifters.

With continued training and experience, he is expected to remain one of India’s leading medal contenders in future international events.

The Rishikanta Singh achievement at the Commonwealth Games 2026 reflects years of dedication, discipline, and hard work. His record-breaking snatch lift, Commonwealth Games silver medal, and consistent international performances have strengthened India’s reputation in weightlifting while inspiring the next generation of athletes to aim for success on the global stage.