IMPHAL: Commonwealth Games 2026 medallists Chanambam Rishikanta Singh and Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, both from Imphal, received a grand welcome at Imphal Airport on Monday following their medal-winning campaign at the Glasgow CWG.
Rishikanta, who won silver in the men’s 60kg category, credited his family and support staff for his success despite a financially disadvantaged background, and said he was targeting a place at the Olympics and Asian Games. Bindyarani, who claimed bronze in the women’s 58kg category, expressed delight at winning her second Commonwealth Games medal and said she was looking forward to performing well in her upcoming events.
BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh congratulated the athletes, highlighting Manipur’s rich sporting tradition and noting Rishikanta hails from his constituency.
The duo add to a strong showing by Manipuri lifters at the Games, with the state’s athletes once again forming the backbone of India’s weightlifting contingent. Both athletes are now expected to shift focus toward preparations for the Asian Games, scheduled to begin on October 4, as they build on their Glasgow performances.