Glasgow: Weightlifting Federation of India (WFI) President Sahdev Yadav expressed mixed views on India’s weightlifting campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026, praising Mirabai Chanu’s gold medal-winning performance while admitting disappointment over Muthupandi Raja’s silver medal finish.
Yadav said Mirabai’s performance was part of a long-term strategy as the federation prepares her for a higher weight category at the upcoming Asian Games.
WFI prioritises Mirabai’s Asian Games preparation
Mirabai Chanu claimed her fourth Commonwealth Games medal after lifting a total of 190kg (85kg snatch and 105kg clean and jerk) in the women’s event. The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist also set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift categories.
“As for Mirabai, she delivered a solid performance without overexerting herself, as we are strategically preparing her for a 1kg higher weight category at the upcoming Asian Games,” Yadav said.
Meanwhile, Muthupandi Raja settled for silver in the men’s 65kg category with a total lift of 286kg (126kg snatch and 160kg clean and jerk). He successfully lifted 125kg and 126kg in the snatch but failed in his attempt at 129kg. In the clean and jerk, he cleared 158kg and 160kg before missing 170kg.
Yadav said Raja had the potential to challenge for gold but failed to capitalise on crucial lifts.
“I am not entirely satisfied with Raja’s performance. Having lifted 172kg previously, a successful series of attempts would have allowed him to pose a real challenge to the gold medallist. At this level, a single missed lift makes a significant difference,” he said.
The WFI chief added that, considering Raja’s age, the federation has begun focusing on developing the next generation of weightlifters.
Earlier, Rishikanta Singh opened India’s weightlifting campaign with a silver medal in the men’s 60kg category after registering a combined lift of 264kg (121kg snatch and 143kg clean and jerk).
Commenting on Rishikanta’s performance, Yadav said a failed lift proved costly.
“Rishikanta performed well. However, one lift that should have counted did not, and that affected the colour of the medal. We missed out on both gold medals in the men’s events,” he said.
India will continue its weightlifting campaign on Monday in the men’s 71kg, women’s 53kg and women’s 58kg events. Yadav expressed confidence that the Indian contingent could add one gold, one silver and one bronze medal to its tally.
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