India celebrated its first silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after weightlifter Rishikanta Singh produced a spirited performance in the men’s 60kg category on Sunday. Rishikanta Singh’s Commonwealth Games campaign ended with a total lift of 264kg, earning him second place behind Malaysia’s Bin Kasdan Mohamad Aniq. The silver also became India’s second medal of the Games after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar claimed bronze earlier in the competition. Although Rishikanta narrowly missed out on gold, his performance underlined why he is regarded as one of India’s brightest weightlifting talents.
Rishikanta Singh’s Commonwealth Games performance sets record
Rishikanta Singh’s Commonwealth Games campaign began on a strong note in the snatch discipline. The Manipur weightlifter successfully lifted 116kg, 119kg, and 121kg in all three attempts to finish at the top of the standings after the opening phase.
His best lift of 121kg not only marked a personal milestone but also established a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch category.
The contest shifted dramatically during the clean and jerk segment. Rishikanta opened with a successful 143kg lift but failed to clear 148kg on his second attempt. Malaysia’s Aniq then lifted 149kg to move ahead, leaving the Indian needing a successful 151kg lift in his final attempt to reclaim the lead.
Despite a determined effort, Rishikanta could not complete the lift, finishing with a combined total of 264 kg, while Aniq secured gold with 273 kg. Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya completed the podium with bronze.
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Journey behind Rishikanta Singh Commonwealth Games success
Rishikanta Singh’s Commonwealth Games silver is the latest achievement in a steadily rising career.
Rishikanta discovered weightlifting at a young age before training at the National Sports Academy in Khuman Lampak, Imphal. His breakthrough came at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, where he lifted a combined 271kg to win gold and book his place for the Commonwealth Games.
He followed that success with an impressive appearance at the World Weightlifting Championships, where he finished eleventh against elite international competition.
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India’s medal hopes receive timely boost
Rishikanta Singh’s Commonwealth Games medal gives India’s campaign valuable momentum as more medal events approach over the coming days.
The 28-year-old had already represented India at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, gaining valuable experience before returning as one of the country’s strongest medal contenders.
Domestically, he has consistently dominated national competitions, including setting the Indian snatch record of 124kg in the men’s 61kg division during the National Weightlifting Championships.
With India’s weightlifting contingent expected to compete in several more categories, Rishikanta’s silver could prove to be the catalyst for a successful campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
