Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh felicitated Commonwealth Games 2026 silver medallist Rishikanta Singh and discussed higher incentives for medal-winning athletes.
Imphal, August 10: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday felicitated Commonwealth Games 2026 silver medallist Chanambam Rishikanta Singh at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal.
Rishikanta Singh won the silver medal in the men’s 60 kg weightlifting category at the 23rd Commonwealth Games, held in Glasgow, Scotland.
Congratulating the weightlifter, the Chief Minister praised his performance and said the achievement had brought recognition to Manipur and the country.
During the felicitation, Khemchand said the state government was considering an increase in incentives for sportspersons who win medals at national and international competitions.
Pride of Manipur! ???????
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 10, 2026
Felicitation of CWG Glasgow 2026 Silver Medallist Chanambam Rishikanta Singh at the CM Secretariat.
A proud achievement for Manipur, and an inspiration for our young generation to dream big, work hard and bring greater glory to the State. ??????… pic.twitter.com/nwcC48g9VL
He noted that many of Manipur’s successful athletes come from lower-income families and have continued to pursue sport despite financial difficulties. Their achievements, he added, had brought recognition to the state and the country.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the importance of perseverance and hard work in an athlete’s career. He said Manipur had a long-standing culture of supporting sportspersons through local clubs and communities, a tradition he noted was less common in several other regions.
Interacting with the Chief Minister, Rishikanta Singh expressed gratitude for the encouragement and guidance he had received.
Referring to his own experience of winning the silver medal, the weightlifter urged athletes from financially disadvantaged families not to lose confidence because they may not be able to afford the diet commonly associated with competitive sport.
He said the perception that athletes cannot succeed without an expensive diet should be dispelled and expressed his determination to achieve further success in the future.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Th. Radheshyam, P. Brojen Singh, T. Robindro, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Janghemlung Panmei, Th. Shyamkumar Singh and Th. Raghumani Singh, along with YAS Secretary N. Praveen and Rishikanta Singh’s parents, attended the felicitation ceremony.
