Mandaviya praises Indian weightlifters at New Delhi felicitation after Glasgow CWG

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded India’s weightlifting contingent at a felicitation ceremony in New Delhi on Monday, August 3, 2026, following their performances at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The team returned with one gold, six silver and one bronze medal.

The lone gold was claimed by Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu; the government handed Mirabai a cheque of ₹30 lakh while silver medallists received ₹20 lakh and bronze medallists ₹10 lakh. The athletes were felicitated by Mr. Mandaviya after their return to India.

“You may not realise it, but every medal you win brings immense joy to the country. Whenever one of you won a medal, the news was announced in Parliament before proceedings began. To those athletes who could not win a medal this time, remember that a sportsperson never loses. They either win or learn to win again,” Mr. Mandaviya said during the felicitation event.

“Three of our athletes could not secure medals this time, but I am confident that with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the good wishes of 140 crore Indians, they too will return with medals in the future,” he added.

For Mirabai, Glasgow delivered her third successive Commonwealth Games gold, following victories in the 2018 and 2022 editions. “I am extremely happy. I have received so much love. Today, all of us were felicitated, and that is a very big moment for us as athletes. I am happy that I have been able to do something for India,” Mirabai told PTI after the felicitation.

Mirabai said her immediate focus will be on the Asian Games in Japan next month, and she will think about the 2028 Olympics later on. “Winning an Asian Games medal is very important to me because that is the one medal I don't have. The competition there is extremely tough, with the best weightlifters taking part, but I will work as hard as I can to win that medal,” she said.

“As for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the weight categories are expected to change again, with the lowest category starting at 53 kg. I have not yet decided what I will do for the Olympics. Right now, my complete focus is on Asian Games. Only after that will I decide my plans for the Olympics.”

She said she will compete in the 49kg category at the Asian Games in Japan next month, noting that the 48 kg class has been discontinued.