Glasgow, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Weightlifting Federation of India (WFI) President Sahdev Yadav expressed satisfaction with Mirabai Chanu’s record-breaking performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 but said India still had areas to improve after the men’s events produced mixed results.
Yadav praised Mirabai for adopting a measured approach as part of a long-term strategy aimed at the upcoming Asian Games. The Olympic silver medallist won her fourth Commonwealth Games medal after securing gold in the women’s category with a total lift of 190 kg, including 85 kg in snatch and 105 kg in clean and jerk.
Mirabai also set new Commonwealth Games records in all three categories — snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total — during her performance in Glasgow.
“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.
However, the WFI chief was less satisfied with Muthupandi Raja’s silver medal-winning effort in the men’s 65kg event. Raja finished with a combined lift of 286 kg, including 126 kg in snatch and 160 kg in clean and jerk.
Yadav said Raja had the ability to challenge for gold but missed an opportunity due to unsuccessful attempts. “I am not entirely satisfied with Raja’s performance. Having lifted 172 kg previously, a successful series of attempts would have allowed him to pose a real challenge to the gold medallist,” he said.
He added that the federation was now focusing on building a stronger pool of young weightlifters considering Raja’s age.
Earlier, Rishikanta Singh opened India’s campaign with a silver medal in the men’s 60kg category, finishing with a total lift of 264 kg.
Yadav said Rishikanta’s missed attempt affected his final position, adding that India narrowly missed out on gold medals in the men’s categories.
India will compete in the men’s 71kg, women’s 53kg and women’s 58kg events, with Yadav hoping the team can secure one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
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