Manipur CM felicitates weightlifter Rishikanta Singh, CWG 2026 silver medallist
Synopsis
A weightlifter from a modest Manipur family lifted 264 kg in Glasgow to claim CWG 2026 silver — and returned home to a felicitation that carried a policy signal: the state government is weighing higher incentives for international medallists, many of whom train through financial hardship.
Key Takeaways
Chanambam Rishikanta Singh won the silver medal in the men's 71 kg weightlifting category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland .
He registered a combined lift of 264 kg , finishing behind Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Bin Kasdan , who lifted 273 kg to claim gold.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh felicitated Rishikanta in Imphal on 10 August .
The state government is considering enhanced incentives for athletes who win medals at international and national competitions.
Rishikanta urged young athletes from lower-income families not to be deterred by the belief that an expensive diet is essential for success at the elite level.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday, 10 August felicitated weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh for winning the silver medal in the men's 71 kg category at the 23rd Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. Rishikanta registered a combined lift of 264 kg, finishing behind gold medallist Mohamad Aniq Bin Kasdan of Malaysia, who lifted 273 kg.
Chief Minister's Felicitation
At the ceremony held in Imphal, Chief Minister Khemchand extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rishikanta, saying the achievement had brought laurels to both Manipur and the nation. He lauded the weightlifter's dedication and acknowledged the role of his family and the wider sporting community in supporting his journey to the podium.
Khemchand noted that the state government was actively considering enhanced incentives for medallists who excel at international and national competitions. He pointed out that a large proportion of Manipur's medal-winning athletes come from lower-income families and continue to strive for excellence despite significant financial and logistical challenges.
Community Support and Sporting Culture
'Perseverance and hard work are the prerequisites for becoming a successful sportsperson,' the Chief Minister said. He also highlighted Manipur's long-standing tradition of nurturing athletes through local clubs and community organisations — a culture he described as rare outside the state. Khemchand said this community-based support system was central to Manipur's outsized contribution to Indian sport.
Rishikanta's Message to Young Athletes
Speaking at the event, Rishikanta urged young athletes from modest backgrounds not to be discouraged by the perception that a specialised, expensive diet is indispensable for sporting success. Drawing on his own experience, he said determination, discipline, and perseverance could help athletes overcome financial constraints and compete at the highest level. He expressed confidence in continuing to work hard and deliver more medals for Manipur and India.
Officials Present
The felicitation was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, who also holds the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) portfolio, along with MLAs Sapam Ranjan Singh, Th. Radheshyam, P. Brojen Singh, T. Robindro, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Janghemlung Panmei, Th. Shyamkumar Singh, and Th. Raghumani Singh. N. Praveen, Secretary of YAS, and Rishikanta's parents were also present.
With the state government signalling a review of athlete incentives, Manipur's medal-winning culture — already one of the most productive in India relative to its population — could receive a further institutional boost in the months ahead.
Point of View
Yet its athletes routinely cite financial hardship as a constant companion. The Chief Minister's signal on enhanced incentives is welcome, but the state has flagged similar reviews before without a clear disbursement framework following. The real measure of intent will be whether the revised incentive structure is notified before the next major Games cycle — not announced at a felicitation and quietly shelved. Rishikanta's own message — that elite performance is possible without an expensive diet — is inspiring, but it should not become an excuse for the state to under-invest in sports nutrition infrastructure.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medal did Chanambam Rishikanta Singh win at Commonwealth Games 2026?
Chanambam Rishikanta Singh won the silver medal in the men's 71 kg weightlifting category at the 23rd Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, with a combined lift of 264 kg. He finished behind Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Bin Kasdan, who claimed gold with a total lift of 273 kg.
Why did Manipur CM felicitate Rishikanta Singh?
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh felicitated Rishikanta to honour his silver medal performance at CWG 2026, acknowledging that the achievement brought recognition to both Manipur and India. The ceremony also served as a platform to announce the state's consideration of enhanced incentives for international medallists.
What did Manipur CM say about athlete incentives?
Chief Minister Khemchand said the state government was considering enhancing the incentives provided to medallists who excel in international and national competitions. He noted that most medal-winning athletes from Manipur come from lower-income families and face financial hardships.
What message did Rishikanta Singh give to young athletes?
Rishikanta urged young athletes, especially those from modest financial backgrounds, not to be discouraged by the belief that an expensive diet is necessary for success. He said determination, hard work, discipline, and perseverance are sufficient to overcome financial constraints and compete at the highest level.
Where were the Commonwealth Games 2026 held?
The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games 2026 was held in Glasgow, Scotland. Chanambam Rishikanta Singh represented India in the men's 71 kg weightlifting event at the Games.
