The first batch of Indian athletes, led by ace weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and Lovepreet Singh, returned home on Sunday to a rousing reception after a successful Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign, with hundreds of fans gathering at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to welcome them.
Olympic medallist Mirabai secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal after winning the women’s 49kg event.
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“Coming from Manipur, I feel really proud that I have done something good for my Country,” Mirabai told PTI after arriving at the airport.
VIDEO | Delhi: Commonwealth games weightlifting contingent reaches Delhi, Gold medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu says, “I am extremely happy for
India. I have won a medal, and I feel very proud. I belong to Manipur, so this makes me even happier. I have been able to do something… pic.twitter.com/BU1c7dchQm
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
Lovepreet, who claimed silver in the men’s +110kg category after missing out on gold by just one kilogram, said his focus has now shifted to the Asian Games in Japan.
“I would like to thank my Indian Navy staff and captain Vijay Kumar, and all who have come,” said the 28-year-old Punjab weightlifter, who lifted a combined 388kg, including a Commonwealth Games record of 176kg in the snatch.
“It happens (missing on gold), but I did my hard work and I have got the result for that and when two players fight one has to lose. Up next, I will prepare well for Asian Games.”
VIDEO | Delhi: “My hard work has paid off,” says Indian weightlifter Lovepreet Singh upon his arrival at the Delhi airport. He also thanked the Indian Navy for the warm welcome.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/rt0ZmcWV4m
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
India’s weightlifting contingent wrapped up its Commonwealth Games campaign with eight medals — one gold, six silver and one bronze.
“Everyone has welcomed us like this so it feels great, thankyou all for making feel like home,” said Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, who won bronze in the women’s 58kg category.
“I’ll train even harder than I have so far for the upcoming competitions.”
VIDEO | Delhi: “I will train harder for the upcoming competitions,” says weightlifter Bindyarani Devi on her return to Delhi after winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/QmPClDwx7A
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
Rishikanta Singh, who bagged silver in the men’s 60kg category, said he would aim for gold in future competitions.
“Feeling good that I have got a medal for India. I’ve already spoken about my performance, but I’ll come back stronger and perform even better,” Rishikanta said.
The Imphal-born Indian Army weightlifter also appealed for peace in his home state, saying it would help nurture more sporting talent.
“For me both Navy and Meitei are equal. I would want to say this that we need peace in Manipur so that Manipur could produce more athletes even better than me,” he said.
India are currently fourth in the medal standings with 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals, taking their overall tally to 39.
With PTI Inputs
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