Rishikanta Singh Wins Silver Medal at Commonwealth Games 2026 in Men's 60kg Weightlifting
Indian weightlifter Rishikanta Singh, 28, clinched a silver medal in the Men's 60kg category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on July 26. Singh delivered a new Commonwealth Games and national snatch record of 121kg and a total lift of 264kg, securing India's second medal of the Games. This significant achievement highlights his consistent performance.
India's weightlifting sensation Rishikanta Singh has etched his name in the annals of the Commonwealth Games, clinching a silver medal in the Men's 60kg category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games today. The 28-year-old Manipuri lifter showcased immense strength and composure at the SEC Armadillo, marking India's second medal at the ongoing Games.
Record-Breaking Performance in Glasgow
Singh began his medal quest in the Men's 60kg final with a successful opening snatch lift of 116kg, followed by 119kg on his second attempt. His third and final snatch attempt saw him sensationally lift 121kg, setting a new Commonwealth Games record and a national snatch record in the 60kg discipline. This put him in a thrilling tie for the top spot with Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq bin Kasdan after the snatch round, both lifting 121kg.
In the clean and jerk, Rishikanta Singh opened with a successful 143kg lift. However, he faced a setback, failing to clear 148kg on a subsequent attempt and ultimately unable to complete his third and final lift of 151kg. His best clean and jerk of 143kg gave him a total of 264kg (121kg snatch + 143kg clean & jerk). Mohamad Aniq bin Kasdan, who had also lifted 121kg in the snatch, ultimately secured the gold medal with a superior overall total of 273kg (121kg snatch + 145kg clean & jerk). Kenya's Joshua Amunga Mboya earned the bronze medal after a successful 145kg lift in his final clean and jerk attempt.
A Seasoned Lifter's Journey
Born on July 5, 1998, in Imphal West, Manipur, Rishikanta Singh has steadily risen through the ranks of Indian weightlifting, benefiting from training through the Indian Army's sporting setup. This is his second appearance at the Commonwealth Games, having made his debut at Birmingham 2022 in the Men's 55kg category.
A significant milestone in his career came at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad, where he clinched a gold medal in the 60kg category. During that event, he set a national record with a total lift of 271kg (120kg snatch + 151kg clean & jerk), demonstrating his capability for top-tier performances and securing direct qualification for Glasgow 2026. He also finished 11th at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Forde, Norway, with a total of 269kg (117kg snatch + 152kg clean and jerk). His fifth-place finish at the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2022 in the Men's 61kg category further highlights his consistent presence on the international stage.
Significance for India
Rishikanta Singh's silver medal is a momentous achievement for India at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, adding to the bronze won earlier by para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar in the Men's heavyweight category. This early success provides a significant boost to the Indian contingent, especially for the strong weightlifting squad, which looks forward to more medals in the coming days, including from Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu.
His outstanding performance, particularly the new Commonwealth Games and national snatch record, underscores India's prowess in weightlifting and sets a high benchmark for the athletes yet to compete. This silver medal is a testament to Rishikanta Singh's dedication and hard work, inspiring a nation keenly following its athletes in Glasgow.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 04:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
