Indian weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam made history by becoming India’s first silver medallist at Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. He was competing in the men’s 60 kg weightlifting category, Rishikanta from Manipur not only won the silver medal but also set a snatch Commonwealth Games record of 121 kg, making him one of the best performers of the event.
Who is Rishikanta Singh?
Rishikanta Singh Chanambam is a weightlifter of Indian nationality hailing from the city of Imphal West, Manipur.
He was born on the date of 5th July, 1998, Rishikanta is from a state famous for numerous weightlifters like Mirabai Chanu, who won the bronze medal in Olympics.
Rishikanta started with his training at National Sports Academy (NSA), Khuman Lampak where he matured into one of the best athletes of India.
He completed his training in 2018 after which he became a part of the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) program for enhancing his skills further.
Historic Silver Winner at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026
Rishikanta created history by earning the first-ever silver medal for India at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow.
In the men’s 60kg weight division, he exhibited a hugely impressive performance:
Snatch: 121kg (Commonwealth Games Record) Clean and Jerk: 143kg Total Lift: 264kg
Mohamad Aniq Kasdan of Malaysia fetched the gold with a total of 273 kg and Joshua Amunga Mboya finished in third with 260 kg.
Winning the silver medal for Rishikanta became India’s second medal at the Games after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar had won bronze on the first day itself.
Record Breaking Snatch at Commonwealth Games
Rishikanta’s performance the Commonwealth Games featured the 121kg snatch he lifted in a stunning record.
Rishikanta’s glorious lift of 121kg came on his third try and surpassed the previous Commonwealth Games record of 120kg.
Even though final winner Mohamad Aniq Kasdan also lifted 121kg later, Rishikanta became the one to occupy the first place in the history of Commonwealth Games for his world record lift of 121kg.
Under the regulations of the IWF, if several weight lifters lift the same record weight, then it always goes to that weight lifter that achieved it first, and subsequent lifts of the same weight are called equal.
Rise Through the Ranks
Rishikanta was able to reach the top level of performing sports due to years of performances.
He participated in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in Birmingham 2022 in the 55kg category. Though he did not win a medal, he achieved a lot through this experience.
As per the changes in international weight categories, he decided to go up one category higher and competed at the 60 kg level where he marked the beginning of his successful career by becoming one of the best Indian contenders.
His great results during the national competitions helped him enter the Indian national team permanently.
Breakthrough at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships
It was during the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in 2025, held in Ahmedabad that Rishikanta made a significant breakthrough in his career.
Now, tested by the enthusiasm of crowds in what was his home territory, he accomplished the following unusual results:
- Snatch – 120kg
- Clean & Jerk – 151kg
- Total – 271kg
The milestone secured him gold medal and Commonwealth Championship records in clean and jerk and total lift.
As a result of this victory, Rishikanta got his qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow.
Records Held by Rishikanta Singh
Rishikanta has rewritten many records in India’s weightlifting history.
The most notable achievements include,
- Indian National Snatch Record – 124kg in the 61kg category.
- Indian National Total Record – 271kg in the 60kg category.
- Commonwealth Championships records in clean & jerk and total.
- Commonwealth Games snatch record – 121kg in Glasgow in 2026.
Such results prove the great success of Rishikanta in his attempts to review the records of the best weighttrifters of India.
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