India honoured its Commonwealth Games 2026 weightlifting medallists as Mirabai Chanu met Jyotiraditya Scindia, while PM Narendra Modi congratulated the 39-medal Indian contingent.
New Delhi, August 3: India's historic weightlifting campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 received official recognition on Monday as Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the country's medal-winning lifters with cash rewards, while Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia met Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu and reiterated the Centre's commitment to strengthening the sporting ecosystem in the Northeast.
The day also saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulate the Indian contingent for its successful campaign in Glasgow, while Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi praised the outstanding contribution of Indian women athletes to the country's medal haul.
At a felicitation ceremony in New Delhi, Dr. Mandaviya honoured India's Commonwealth Games 2026 weightlifting medallists, describing their performances as one of the country's strongest campaigns in the sport.
Bharat signs off from the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a commendable 4th-place finish. ????
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 3, 2026
Despite Glasgow 2026 being a trimmed-down edition without several disciplines where India traditionally excels, Team India improved from 30 medals in the comparable disciplines at… pic.twitter.com/2bZEW65bUJ
Indian weightlifters competed in 11 categories and returned with eight medals—one gold, six silver and one bronze—while also setting multiple Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records. Several lifters achieved personal-best performances during the competition.
The Sports Minister presented cash awards of Rs 30 lakh to gold medallists, Rs 20 lakh to silver medallists and Rs 10 lakh to bronze medallists.
Congratulating the athletes, Mandaviya said the nation celebrated every medal won by the Indian contingent and noted that announcements were made in Parliament whenever Indian athletes secured podium finishes during the Games.
He also paid tribute to the coaches, particularly Dronacharya awardee Vijay Sharma, emphasising that coaches play the most significant role in shaping sporting champions.
With our champion Golden Girl @mirabai_chanu! pic.twitter.com/o8yufltIpF
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 3, 2026
Mirabai scripts history, Manipur shines again
Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu added another milestone to her illustrious career by becoming the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals.
The Manipur lifter's achievement headlined India's weightlifting campaign, while fellow Manipuri lifter Rishikanta Singh also delivered an impressive performance by setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch event. Valluri Ajay Babu also established a Games record in his category.
Several Indian lifters, including Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur, registered personal-best lifts during the competition.
The Sports Ministry noted that six of the eleven Indian weightlifters were Khelo India Athletes, while several medallists train at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Patiala.
Mandaviya said programmes such as Khelo India have played an important role in creating a strong pipeline of athletes by providing scientific coaching, international exposure and world-class support systems.
He urged the medal winners to visit schools and colleges across the country and inspire young people to take up sports.
"Your stories can motivate thousands of children to dream big. Together, we are taking decisive steps towards building a truly sporting nation," the Minister told the athletes.
During the interaction, the athletes spoke about their journeys, struggles, national coaching camps, scientific training and their preparations for the upcoming Asian Games.
Encouraging those who narrowly missed medals, Mandaviya urged them not to lose confidence, saying continuous improvement is the hallmark of every successful sportsperson.
Had the pleasure of meeting the undisputed champion of weightlifting @mirabai_chanu , fresh off a record-extending 3rd consecutive #CWG gold in Glasgow.
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) August 3, 2026
Wishing her all the strength and success ahead as she continues to bring glory to the nation. ???? pic.twitter.com/XBbWKoqq5W
Scindia discusses roadmap for Northeast sports
Later in the day, Mirabai Chanu met Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in New Delhi following her historic achievement.
Scindia congratulated the Manipuri champion and described her perseverance, discipline and determination as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly in the Northeast.
The meeting included discussions on elite training methods, nutrition, recovery, sports science and athlete welfare. Chanu also shared her journey to becoming one of India's most successful weightlifters.
RELATED NEWS: Scindia Meets Mirabai Chanu After Historic CWG Gold, Reaffirms Push for Sports Development in NE
The Minister acknowledged the contribution of Chanu's support staff, including coach Vijay Sharma, trainer and physiotherapist, noting that sustained international success depends on scientific preparation and a strong support network.
Scindia also outlined the Ministry of DoNER's plans to develop a comprehensive sports ecosystem through the High Level Task Force (HLTF).
Under the 'One State, One Sport' initiative, each Northeastern state will receive focused support to develop sporting disciplines where it enjoys a natural advantage, including weightlifting, archery and football.
He said the initiative is designed not only to build sports infrastructure but also to strengthen coaching, sports science, nutrition, recovery systems and athlete support within the region so that young sportspersons can train closer to home.
Vijay Sharma also welcomed the initiative, saying it would help identify and nurture sporting talent from the grassroots across the Northeast.
Proud of our contingent’s performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2026
Delighted that India has won 39 medals, including 13 Golds. Congrats to the medal winners.
Throughout the Games, our talented athletes have displayed exceptional skill, determination and dedication.…
Prime Minister congratulates Indian contingent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian contingent for its performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where the country finished with 39 medals, including 13 gold.
In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister praised the athletes for displaying exceptional skill, determination and dedication throughout the Games.
He said their achievements would continue to inspire young Indians and wished the contingent success in future international competitions.
#Glasgow2026 | ???????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ??????????'?? ???????????? ???????????????? ????
— Annpurna Devi (@Annapurna4BJP) August 3, 2026
At the #CWG2026, #NariShakti powered Team India's golden campaign, winning 8 of India's 13 Gold medals across Boxing, Weightlifting, Judo and Para Athletics.
?? Five Indian… pic.twitter.com/nSvUgqjUdT
Women athletes power India's campaign
Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi also hailed the contribution of India's women athletes, noting that they secured eight of India's 13 gold medals across boxing, weightlifting, judo and para athletics.
She particularly commended the five Indian women boxers who won gold medals, describing their performances as a reflection of the growing strength of women's sports in the country.
The Minister said the achievements of Indian women athletes are inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue sporting excellence and represent the country on the global stage.
With Mirabai Chanu once again leading India's weightlifting success and athletes across disciplines delivering record-breaking performances, the Centre reiterated its commitment to expanding sports infrastructure, athlete development and scientific training programmes as India prepares for future international competitions.
