Olympic medalist Mirabai secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal by winning the women’s 49kg title.
“Coming from Manipur, I feel extremely proud to have achieved something significant for my country,” Mirabai shared with PTI after her arrival at the airport.
VIDEO | Delhi: “My hard work has paid off,” says Indian weightlifter Lovepreet Singh upon his arrival at the Delhi airport. He also expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for the warm welcome.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – pic.twitter.com/rt0ZmcWV4m
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
Lovepreet, who earned silver in the men’s +110kg category after narrowly missing gold by one kilogram, indicated that his focus has shifted to the Asian Games in Japan.
“I want to extend my thanks to my Indian Navy staff and Captain Vijay Kumar, along with everyone who came out to support,” remarked the 28-year-old weightlifter from Punjab, who managed a total lift of 388kg, including a Commonwealth Games record of 176kg in the snatch.
“Missing out on gold happens; I put in the effort, and I’ve received my just rewards. In competition, one player must lose. Now, I will prepare diligently for the Asian Games.”
VIDEO | Delhi: Commonwealth weightlifting team arrives in Delhi. Gold medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu stated, “I am incredibly happy for India. Winning a medal fills me with pride, especially coming from Manipur. I have accomplished something… pic.twitter.com/BU1c7dchQm
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
India’s weightlifting squad concluded the Commonwealth Games with a total of eight medals — one gold, six silver, and one bronze.
Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, who clinched bronze in the women’s 58kg category, expressed her gratitude to supporters and committed to continuing her preparation for future events.
“Being received with such warmth makes me feel wonderful. Thank you all for making me feel at home,” she mentioned. “I will train even harder for the upcoming competitions.”
VIDEO | Delhi: “I will train harder for the upcoming competitions,” says weightlifter Bindyarani Devi after winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – pic.twitter.com/QmPClDwx7A
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
Harjinder Kaur, who earned silver in the women’s 71kg category, expressed her goal to upgrade her medal at the next Commonwealth Games.
“My aim is to turn the silver medal into gold at the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.”
VIDEO | Delhi: Indian weightlifter Harjinder Kaur declares, “My aim is to turn the silver medal into gold at the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.”
(Full video available on PTI Videos – pic.twitter.com/MwQHYUNFfc
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
Rishikanta advocates for peace in Manipur
Rishikanta Singh, who won silver in the men’s 60kg category, expressed his desire to aim for gold in future competitions.
“It’s a great feeling to have earned a medal for India. I’ve already discussed my performance, and I plan to return even stronger for the next challenges,” Rishikanta stated.
VIDEO | Delhi: “I will come back with a better performance,” says Indian weightlifter Rishikanta Singh upon returning to New Delhi after winning silver at the Commonwealth Games.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – pic.twitter.com/5wjF9vdccs
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
The Indian Army weightlifter, hailing from Imphal, also called for tranquility in Manipur, stating it would foster the development of more athletes.
“For me, both the Navy and Meitei are equal. I want to emphasize that peace is essential in Manipur, as it would enable the region to nurture even more outstanding athletes,” he concluded.
Coach praises team’s achievements
Chief national coach Vijay Sharma acknowledged that the enthusiastic reception reflected the public’s appreciation of the team’s efforts and voiced satisfaction with the overall results.
“We are incredibly proud of this warm reception. Everyone appears joyful. I am very pleased with my players’ performance,” Sharma remarked.
“There are areas where we can improve, and we can strive to change our medals from silver to gold. However, such setbacks are part of sports. Overall, the results are commendable. We are pleased.”
Sharma particularly commended Mirabai Chanu for securing her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal.
“Mirabai is an exceptional athlete. Her dedication allows her to achieve these remarkable results. We are gearing up for the Asian Games, and I believe we will secure a medal there as well,” he mentioned.
India ranks fourth in the Commonwealth Games medal tally with 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze medals, bringing the total to 39.
