India’s weightlifting team heads into the 2026 Commonwealth Games carrying a rich legacy and high expectations, with Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu once again leading the country’s medal hopes. As one of India’s most accomplished weightlifters, Chanu will spearhead an 11-member squad that blends proven champions with promising young talent for the Games in Glasgow, scheduled to begin on July 23.
The weightlifting competition will take place from July 26 to 30 at the SEC Armadillo, a venue expected to witness some of the fiercest contests of the Games. India has consistently been one of the dominant nations in Commonwealth weightlifting, and the 2026 contingent will be aiming to continue that tradition.
Mirabai Chanu, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, will compete in the women’s 48kg category. The Manipur-born lifter has enjoyed remarkable success at the Games, having secured three Commonwealth medals in her career, including gold medals at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, along with a silver at the 2014 Glasgow Games. Beyond the Commonwealth stage, Chanu has established herself among the world’s elite.
She created history by winning the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, becoming only the second Indian weightlifter to win an Olympic medal. She also captured the World Championship title in 2017 and has consistently finished on the podium at major international events, making her India’s most experienced and decorated athlete in the squad.
Joining Chanu in the women’s team are two other Commonwealth Games medallists. Bindyarani Devi will compete in the 58kg category after claiming silver at the Birmingham 2022 Games. The Manipuri lifter has emerged as one of India’s most reliable performers in recent years and has also earned medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and Asian competitions.
Punjab’s Harjinder Kaur, another Birmingham silver medallist, will contest the 69kg division. Harjinder’s medal-winning performance in 2022 showcased her consistency under pressure, and she will look to convert that experience into another podium finish in Glasgow.
The women’s squad also includes Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Sanjana (77kg) and Martina Devi (+86kg). The trio represents the next generation of Indian weightlifting talent and will be looking to make a mark on one of the biggest multi-sport stages.
On the men’s side, Lovepreet Singh leads the Indian challenge in the +110kg category. The Punjab lifter won bronze at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and enters Glasgow with valuable international experience. His strength in the heavyweight division makes him one of India’s strongest medal prospects among the men. Three Commonwealth Games debutants will also wear Indian colours in Glasgow.
Rishikanta Singh will compete in the 60kg category, Ajaya Babu will feature in the 79kg division, while Dilbag Singh will represent India in the 94kg class. M Raja has been selected in the men’s 65kg category, completing the five-member men’s squad.
The Indian contingent is scheduled to depart for Birmingham on Sunday for a pre-Games conditioning camp before travelling to Glasgow on July 23. The camp is expected to help the lifters fine-tune their preparations, adapt to local conditions and complete their final phase of training before competition begins.
India enters the Commonwealth Games with an impressive track record in weightlifting. At the 2018 Gold Coast Games, Indian lifters topped the medal standings by winning nine medals, including five gold. Four years later in Birmingham, the team once again delivered a stellar performance, collecting 10 medals, including three gold, underlining the country’s continued dominance in the sport.
Weightlifting has traditionally been one of India’s strongest disciplines at the Commonwealth Games, regularly contributing a significant share of the nation’s medal tally. The combination of experienced campaigners and emerging athletes has helped India remain competitive despite increasing standards across Commonwealth nations.
With Mirabai Chanu once again carrying the hopes of millions and a balanced squad eager to build on India’s rich legacy, expectations are naturally high. While seasoned names such as Chanu, Bindyarani Devi, Harjinder Kaur and Lovepreet Singh bring invaluable experience, the Games also offer an opportunity for the debutants to establish themselves on the international stage.
As the countdown to Glasgow enters its final phase, India’s weightlifters will aim not only to add to the country’s impressive Commonwealth record but also to reinforce their status as one of the sport’s dominant forces. A successful campaign could once again see India finish among the leading nations in weightlifting and provide another memorable chapter in the country’s sporting journey.
India’s Weightlifting Squad for Commonwealth Games 2026
Women: Mirabai Chanu (48kg), Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Harjinder Kaur (69kg), Sanjana (77kg), Martina Devi (+86kg)
Men: Rishikanta Singh (60kg), M Raja (65kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg), Dilbag Singh (94kg), Lovepreet Singh (+110kg)
