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Indian weightlifter Rishikanta Singh wins Silver at CWG: Often, sport is not merely about winning; it is about the spirit of refusing to give up until the very last attempt. India's star weightlifter Rishikanta Singh exemplified this very spirit at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026. Despite facing two unsuccessful attempts in the clean and jerk, Rishikanta did not lose heart; he went on to secure a silver medal for India, making the nation proud.
Rishikanta Singh: Quick Stats & Key Highlights
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- Athlete: Rishikanta Singh
- Hometown: Imphal West, Manipur
- Sport: Weightlifting (Men's 60 kg category)
- Medal: Silver Medal (CWG 2026)
- Total Weight Lifted: 264 kg (Snatch: 121 kg + Clean & Jerk: 143 kg)
- Affiliation: Indian Army
Glasgow CWG 2026: How Rishikanta Singh Secured the Silver Medal
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Competing in the men's 60 kg category, Rishikanta displayed excellent form right from the start:
- Snatch: He laid a strong foundation with a stellar performance, lifting 121 kg.
- Clean & Jerk: He successfully lifted 143 kg in his very first attempt.
- Gold Medal Attempt: To stay in contention for the gold medal, he took the risk of attempting 148 kg and then 151 kg, though he was unsuccessful on both occasions.
Despite the immense pressure, Rishikanta achieved a total score of 264 kg (121+143)... ...secured a silver medal for India.
Key Match Highlights & Event Results
- Gold Medal: Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq won the gold medal by lifting a total of 273 kg (121 kg in the snatch and 152 kg in the clean and jerk), setting a new Commonwealth Games record.
- India's Second Medal: This marked India's second medal at the Glasgow Games. Earlier, Jhandu Kumar had opened the country's account by winning a bronze medal in para-powerlifting.
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Who is Rishikanta Singh? Background & Early Life
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There is a deep bond between weightlifting and Manipur. This hallowed land, which has produced legendary athletes like Mirabai Chanu, has gifted India another brilliant star in the form of Rishikanta Singh.
- Early Life: Rishikanta hails from Imphal West, Manipur, and was drawn to weightlifting from a young age.
- Contribution of the Indian Army: Rishikanta's talent was truly honed and given a platform when he became associated with the Indian Army's sports infrastructure. The Army's strict discipline, modern technology, and world-class facilities propelled his career to new heights.
Rishikanta Singh: Career Graph & Major Achievements
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Rishikanta's international journey has been a story of continuous improvement and setting national records:
- 2022 Commonwealth Games: He began his international journey in the 55 kg category.
- Change in Weight Category: Subsequently, he adapted and secured a place in the 60/61 kg category.
- 2024 National Championship: Set a national record in the 61 kg category by lifting 124 kg in the snatch.
- 2025 Commonwealth Championship: Won the gold medal with a total lift of 271 kg (120 kg snatch and 151 kg clean and jerk). This total weight set a new national record, earning him a spot at the Glasgow CWG 2026.
Rishikanta Singh’s Journey: Struggle, Resilience, and Future Goals
Although the gold medal in Glasgow narrowly eluded Rishikanta, the silver medal stands as a testament to his persistent struggle, hard work, and patience. Standing on the podium and holding the Tricolour high, despite failing in his final two attempts, reflects his true sportsmanship.
This young weightlifter from Manipur has now established himself as one of the country's most reliable athletes, thanks to the support of the Indian Army and his own relentless hard work. Following this success in Glasgow, Rishikanta Singh now aims to bring glory to India on major international stages like the Asian Games and the Olympics.
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