Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday, 27 July 2026, congratulated weightlifter Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam after she claimed a bronze medal in the Women's 58 kg Weightlifting event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, expressing pride in her achievement and calling on her journey to inspire future generations of Indian athletes.

Context

Rijiju took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend his congratulations, writing: 'Another medal. Another story of courage. Another reason for Bharat to celebrate.' He specifically addressed the athlete as Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam and used the hashtags #Glasgow2026 and #Cheer4Bharat, framing the bronze as part of a continuing wave of Indian sporting success at the Games.

Bindyarani Devi hails from Manipur in India's Northeast — a region that has produced a disproportionate share of the country's elite weightlifters. Her presence on the Commonwealth Games podium adds to a tradition of Northeast Indian athletes punching above their weight on international stages.

Policy Backdrop

India's improved showing at multi-sport events in recent years has been linked in part to the Khelo India scheme, launched in 2017, which targets grassroots sports talent identification and development across the country. The programme has channelled funding and infrastructure support toward disciplines — including weightlifting — where India has historically competed well at the Commonwealth level.

Glasgow has a particular resonance for Indian weightlifting: at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, also held in the Scottish city, Indian lifters secured multiple medals. The 2026 edition renews that association, with Bindyarani Devi's bronze reinforcing India's standing in the sport.

Stakeholders and Impact

For the Indian weightlifting community, the medal is a validation of sustained investment and coaching support. Athletes from the Northeast have long advocated for greater recognition and institutional backing, and podium finishes at marquee events strengthen that case at the policy level.

Rijiju, who represents Arunachal Pradesh — another northeastern state — has consistently used his platform to spotlight achievements by athletes from the region. His public acknowledgement amplifies Bindyarani Devi's success to a national audience and signals continued government attention to sports excellence from India's eastern frontier.

What's Next

With the 2026 Commonwealth Games still under way in Glasgow, India's athletes will be competing across multiple disciplines in the days ahead. The final medal tally will determine how the campaign is assessed overall, and ministerial statements on sports funding and athlete welfare are expected once the Games conclude.

Bindyarani Devi's bronze is likely to renew calls within the weightlifting fraternity for enhanced support structures — from better training facilities to higher competition exposure — as India looks to convert Commonwealth success into stronger performances at the Olympic level.