New Delhi, Aug 3: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday felicitated India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 weightlifting medallists, rewarding their achievements with cash incentives and urging them to inspire the next generation by visiting schools and colleges.
India enjoyed one of its most successful Commonwealth Games weightlifting campaigns in Glasgow, winning eight medals from 11 weight categories – one gold, six silver and one bronze. Indian lifters also set multiple Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records, while several athletes achieved personal-best performances.
During the felicitation ceremony, Dr. Mandaviya presented cash rewards of Rs. 30 lakh to gold medallists, Rs. 20 lakh to silver medallists and Rs. 10 lakh to bronze medallists.
Congratulating the athletes, the Union Minister said their achievements had filled the country with pride. “Even in Parliament, announcements were made whenever you won medals. Those moments made every Indian proud,” he said.
Dr. Mandaviya also acknowledged the crucial role played by coaches in shaping champions, paying tribute to Dronacharya awardee Vijay Sharma, who was present at the ceremony. “A coach has the biggest role in an athlete’s journey. There is nothing greater than a coach’s contribution in creating champions,” he said.
Among the standout performers in Glasgow, Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu became the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals. Rishikanta Singh and Valluri Ajay Babu established new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch event, while Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur recorded personal-best lifts.
The Minister highlighted the success of India’s athlete development programmes, noting that six of the 11 weightlifters were Khelo India Athletes. Gyaneshwari Yadav is part of the Khelo India programme, while medallists including Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur train at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Patiala.
Calling on the medallists to become ambassadors for sport, Dr. Mandaviya encouraged them to share their journeys with young people.
“Your stories can motivate thousands of children to dream big. Together, we are taking decisive steps towards building a truly sporting nation,” he said.
The Minister also interacted with the athletes, discussing their journeys, challenges and preparations for future events, particularly the Asian Games 2026. The weightlifters spoke about overcoming hardships with the help of national coaching camps, scientific training and international exposure, while expressing their determination to continue bringing glory to the country.
Addressing athletes who narrowly missed out on medals, Dr. Mandaviya urged them to remain motivated. “A sportsperson never truly loses. What matters is the passion to keep improving. I believe the blessings of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the support of 140 crore Indians are always with you,” he said.
Emphasising the government’s long-term vision for Indian sport, the Minister said initiatives such as Khelo India have created a strong pathway for talented athletes by providing world-class coaching, scientific support and international exposure.
“The country has invested in you because it believes in your potential. Every possible facility is being created so that Indian athletes can compete with the very best in the world,” he added.
