India's weightlifting contingent returned to a warm welcome in the national capital on Saturday after an impressive campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu expressing pride over winning her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and continuing her remarkable run on the international stage.
Chanu, one of India's most decorated weightlifters, clinched the gold medal in the women's 48kg category, making it her fourth Commonwealth Games medal overall. She had won silver on her Games debut in 2014 before claiming successive gold medals in the editions that followed, further cementing her status as one of the country's greatest weightlifters.
Speaking after arriving in New Delhi, Chanu said she was delighted to once again contribute to India's medal tally and represent her home state of Manipur with pride.
"I am very happy that I have won a medal for India, and I feel very proud as I belong to Manipur. I am happy that I have been able to achieve something for the country," she said.
The star lifter was greeted at Delhi airport by members of the Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee, who welcomed her and the rest of the Indian weightlifting team after their successful campaign in Glasgow.
Chief National Coach Vijay Sharma praised the overall performance of the Indian contingent and reserved special appreciation for Mirabai, describing her achievement as extraordinary.
"I am extremely happy with our team's performance. The weightlifting campaign has been very good. Mirabai is exceptional. She is the only woman—not just in India but in the entire world—to have won medals in four consecutive Commonwealth Games. This has been made possible through her discipline, dedication, and years of hard work," Sharma said.
He also highlighted the team's next major objective, saying preparations would now shift towards the Asian Games, where India hopes to continue its strong performances against tougher continental competition.
"Right now, winning a medal at the Asian Games is our biggest priority. We will prepare thoroughly and strive to achieve that goal," the coach added.
Among the other standout performers was Gyaneshwari Yadav, who secured the silver medal in the women's 53kg category. She expressed happiness over her achievement and thanked supporters who turned up at the airport to welcome the athletes.
"I am very happy to win this medal, and it feels wonderful to see so many people coming here to welcome us. Their support means a lot," she said.
Silver medallist Rishikanta Singh, who finished second in the men's 60kg event, said the Commonwealth Games success had given him greater confidence heading into future competitions.
"I feel more motivated for the upcoming events. My next goal is to perform even better and continue improving in the tournaments ahead," he said.
Another silver medallist, Lovepreet Singh, who finished second in the men's +110kg heavyweight category, said his immediate focus would be on preparing for the Asian Games scheduled to begin next month in Japan.
Also read: Durand Cup: NorthEast United defeat Bodoland FC
"My goal now is to prepare well for the Asian Games and win a medal there. I will continue working hard to achieve that," Lovepreet said.
India concluded its weightlifting campaign in Glasgow with an impressive haul of eight medals, comprising one gold, six silver, and one bronze, making the sport one of the country's strongest contributors at the Games.
Besides Mirabai Chanu's gold medal, Gyaneshwari Yadav (women's 53kg) and Harjinder Kaur (women's 69kg) claimed silver medals. In the men's events, Rishikanta Singh (60kg), Muthupandi Raja (65kg), Valluri Ajaya Babu (79kg), and Lovepreet Singh (+110kg) also finished with silver medals. Bindyarani Devi added to India's tally by winning the bronze medal in the women's 58kg category.
The successful campaign once again highlighted India's growing strength in weightlifting and provided valuable momentum ahead of the Asian Games, where the country's lifters will look to build on their Commonwealth success against a stronger field of international competitors.
Follow us
