ARUNODAY TIMES : India made a spectacular start to its Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign as star weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu clinched a historic third consecutive gold medal, while Rishikant Singh Chanambam secured a silver in the men’s competition. India also celebrated an early success in the para-sports programme, with Sachin Kumar overcoming immense hardships to win a bronze medal.
Mirabai Chanu Wins Historic Third Consecutive Gold
India’s Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu opened the country’s gold medal tally by winning the women’s 48kg weightlifting event with a record-breaking performance.
The 31-year-old lifted 85kg in the snatch, setting new Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games records, before lifting 105kg in the clean and jerk to establish another Games record. Her combined lift of 190kg comfortably earned her the gold medal.
The victory marked Mirabai’s third successive Commonwealth Games gold, following her triumphs at the 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham Games. She had earlier won a silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, taking her overall Commonwealth Games medal tally to four.
Mirabai: Proud to Win Another Gold for India
Speaking after her victory, Chanu admitted she felt pressure but was delighted to deliver another gold for the country.
“I am extremely happy to win my third gold medal for India. There was a little pressure to perform well, but I wanted to give my best for the Indian weightlifting team. I am delighted to win my third Commonwealth Games gold and my fourth Commonwealth Games medal,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and BJP MP Anurag Thakur congratulated Chanu, praising her consistency, dedication and inspirational achievements.
Rishikant Singh Claims Silver
In the men’s 60kg weightlifting event, Rishikant Singh Chanambam of Manipur won the silver medal with a total lift of 264kg.
He equalled the Commonwealth Games record in the snatch by lifting 121kg, before managing 143kg in the clean and jerk. However, unsuccessful attempts at 148kg and 151kg denied him the gold medal.
Malaysia’s Bin Kasdan Mohamad Aniq won gold with a total lift of 273kg, while Joshua Amunga Mboya of Kenya claimed bronze with 260kg.
From Selling Vegetables to Commonwealth Medal
India’s para-sports campaign also got off to a memorable start as Sachin Kumar earned a bronze medal, completing an inspiring journey marked by determination and resilience.
Despite his talent, Kumar struggled financially to afford the specialised nutrition required for elite competition. To support himself, he started a small vegetable business and, without a wheelchair, travelled nearly 20 kilometres to local markets. He later borrowed money from friends to purchase an e-rickshaw, but his plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
His perseverance eventually paid off as he reached the Commonwealth Games podium, giving India an early medal in the para-sports programme.
After winning bronze, an emotional Kumar said:
“I cannot express my happiness. First, I will call my parents back home, and then Gautam Bhaiya, my first training partner with whom I have practised since childhood. Winning India’s first medal is very important. Whenever I see the Indian flag, I feel immense pride.”
Strong Start for India
With Mirabai Chanu’s historic gold, Rishikant Singh’s silver, and Sachin Kumar’s inspiring bronze, India has made a promising start to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, once again showcasing its strength in weightlifting and para-sports on the international stage.
