PM Modi congratulates Rishikanta Singh for clinching silver medal at 2026 Commonwealth Games
New Delhi, July 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh for winning the silver medal in the men's 60kg event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday.
Rishikanta's silver medal marked India's first at the ongoing Games, while it was the second overall after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar's bronze medal earlier.
In a post on X, PM Modi congratulated Rishikanta on winning the silver medal and praised his determination while wishing him continued success and saying he would inspire young athletes.
He said, "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. Best wishes for his future endeavours!"
Notably, Rishikanta finished with a combined total of 264kg (121kg snatch + 143kg clean and jerk), while Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan claimed the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record total of 273kg (121kg snatch + 152kg clean and jerk). Kenya's Joshua Mboya took bronze with 260kg (115kg + 145kg), according to ESPN.
The Indian lifter made a strong start in the snatch, successfully clearing 116kg before improving to 119kg. On his final attempt, Rishikanta lifted 121kg to break the Commonwealth Games snatch record and set a new personal best. Kasdan, however, matched the 121kg effort moments later, leaving the two lifters tied at the top after the opening discipline.
In the clean and jerk, Rishikanta safely opened with a successful lift of 143kg to take the overall lead temporarily with a total of 264kg. Kasdan responded by clearing 145kg and then 149kg to move ahead with 270kg, putting the pressure back on the Indian.
Needing 151kg on his final attempt to reclaim the lead, Rishikanta completed the clean but was unable to lock out the jerk, ending his challenge for gold. Kasdan then capped off a dominant performance by lifting 152kg in his final clean and jerk attempt to register a Games record total of 273kg.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Amazing performance by Rishikanta! 264kg total with a personal best is incredible. And to break the Commonwealth Games snatch record too! काश gold होता, but silver is still something to celebrate. PM Modi's message is very inspiring for young athletes.
Well done Rishikanta! It's great to see India's weightlifting tradition continuing. PM Modi's support for athletes is commendable. Hope this inspires more youth to take up sports. The 121kg snatch was world-class! 💪
Silver is amazing! But I wish the government would do more for grassroots level sports training. Rishikanta worked so hard, aur agar proper facilities hote to maybe gold bhi possible hota. Anyway, congratulations to him! 🎉
Great achievement! The Clean & Jerk of 143kg was impressive. It's a shame he couldn't hit 151kg at the end, but that's what competition is about. PM Modi's tweet shows he's following every athlete closely. Inspiring stuff! 👍
Ekdum zabardast! 🏆 Rishikanta ne snatch mein record tod diya. Silver medal aur personal best - bohot hard! PM Modi ka support athletes ke liye bahut motivating hai. Agle Commonwealth Games mein gold pakka! 🇮🇳💪
What a performance by Rishikanta Singh! The 121kg snatch
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