India's medal tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 continued to grow as star weightlifter Bindyarani Devi delivered an impressive performance on the international stage. Competing in the highly competitive women's 58kg weight category, she showcased remarkable strength and technique to secure a podium finish. Throughout the event, she successfully lifted a combined total of 199kg across the snatch and clean and jerk portions. This stellar effort earned her the third spot, bringing India's overall medal count to six. Her journey to the podium reflected immense dedication, overcoming early hurdles to make the nation proud once again.
Tough Battle and Final Lifts
The competition witnessed intense battles among top athletes from around the globe. During her final attempts, Bindyarani narrowly missed lifting 116kg, but her earlier successful lifts built a strong enough total score to comfortably secure the bronze medal. The gold in this specific weight division was claimed by Nigeria's Rafiatu Folashade, who posted an outstanding total lift of 229kg. Despite the fierce challenge from international competitors, the Indian weightlifter held her ground and ensured another valuable medal for the national contingent.
Roots in Manipur and Role Models
Hailing from the northeastern state of Manipur, Bindyarani Devi's path to success was shaped by strong foundational values and inspiring role models. Since childhood, she looked up to elite weightlifter Mirabai Chanu as her primary source of inspiration. Her mother instilled strict discipline in her from an early age, which later translated into rigorous training habits on the athletic floor. Furthermore, Mirabai Chanu provided crucial guidance regarding proper nutrition and fitness maintenance. In her earlier years, Bindyarani had a distinct fondness for fast food, but she eventually overhauled her dietary habits entirely to prioritize her athletic career and focus strictly on her sport.
Consistent Journey from Junior to Senior Ranks
Bindyarani has built an impressive resume across various age groups over the years. She first grabbed widespread attention at the 2016 Asian Youth and Junior Championships, where she established her potential on the mat. Transitioning smoothly to the senior level, she maintained a consistent record of winning medals at major international competitions. She clinched a gold medal at the 2019 Commonwealth Championships, followed by a silver medal at the 2021 edition. Her momentum continued at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she secured a silver medal in the 55kg category. She added another major milestone to her career by winning a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Championships.
Gyaneshwari Yadav's Remarkable Silver
Prior to this event, fellow Indian lifter Gyaneshwari Yadav also made headlines with a stellar performance in the women's 53kg weight class. The 23-year-old athlete lifted 88kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk, accumulating a total weight of 199kg to claim the silver medal. During her campaign, she broke multiple national records in both the clean and jerk and overall categories. Gold in that division went to Nigeria's Onome Omolola Diden, who lifted a total of 206kg, resulting in a fierce record-breaking duel between the top contenders.
Dominance of the Indian Weightlifting Squad
The Indian weightlifting contingent has enjoyed a phenomenal campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Mirabai Chanu made history by clinching a gold medal, while Rishikanta Singh, Raja Muthupandi, and Gyaneshwari Yadav all secured impressive silver medals. With Bindyarani Devi adding a bronze to the tally, the Indian weightlifting team successfully maintained a remarkable streak of winning five consecutive medals at the games.
