Commonwealth Games 2026: Manipur weightlifting star Rishikanta secures Indias maiden silver medal
India had opened its medal tally earlier when Jhandu Kumar won the bronze medal in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event with a best lift of 190 kg.
PTC News Desk: Indian weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh won India's first silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday with a strong performance in the men's 60kg weightlifting event.
India had opened its medal tally earlier when Jhandu Kumar won the bronze medal in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event with a best lift of 190 kg.
Rishikanta finished second in the men's 60kg category, while Malaysia's Bin Kasdan Mohamad Aniq claimed the gold medal. Kenya's Joshua Amunga Mboya took home the bronze.
Rishikanta made an impressive start in the snatch event, successfully lifting 116 kg, 119 kg, and 121 kg. His final lift of 121 kg was both his personal best and a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch. He also finished first after the snatch round.
Heartiest congratulations to Rishikanta Singh Chanambam on winning the Silver Medal in Weightlifting Men's 60kg.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 26, 2026
The entire nation is proud of you!#Cheer4Bharat #CWG2026 pic.twitter.com/Vl55NGafEu
Why Rishikanta won silver instead of gold
In the clean and jerk event, Rishikanta successfully lifted 143 kg on his first attempt but failed to lift 148 kg on his second try. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Aniq successfully lifted 149 kg.
To overtake Aniq and win the gold medal, Rishikanta needed to lift 151 kg on his final attempt. However, he was unable to complete the lift and finished with a combined total of 264 kg, earning the silver medal.
Aniq secured the gold with a total lift of 271 kg, while Rishikanta settled for second place despite his record-breaking performance in the snatch.