Glasgow, Scotland – Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi clinched a bronze medal in the women's 58kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Monday, adding to India's impressive medal haul. This latest podium finish marks India's fifth weightlifting medal at the ongoing Glasgow Games, further solidifying the nation's strong presence in the sport. Devi's determined performance saw her secure a total lift of 199 kilograms, earning her second career Commonwealth Games medal.
Devi's Strong Performance in 58kg Category
Bindyarani Devi, a 27-year-old athlete from Manipur, delivered a gritty performance in a highly competitive final. She lifted 87kg in the snatch segment, placing her third after the initial rounds. In the clean and jerk discipline, Devi successfully lifted 112kg on her second attempt, totaling 199kg for her bronze medal finish. She had attempted 116kg in her final clean and jerk attempt to aim for a higher finish but could not complete the lift.[timesofindia+6]
Nigeria's Rafiatu Folashade Lawal dominated the event, securing the gold medal with a record-breaking total of 229kg. Lawal set new Commonwealth and Games records with a 103kg snatch and a 126kg clean and jerk. Canada's Ann Sophie Taschereau earned the silver medal, achieving a total lift of 215kg, including a 94kg snatch and 121kg in the clean and jerk. Devi's bronze medal was hard-won, as she faced a tough battle and overcame an overturned lift during her clean and jerk attempts.[tribuneindia+9]
India's Expanding Weightlifting Success
Bindyarani Devi's bronze medal marks a significant achievement, pushing India's weightlifting medal count to five at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This contributes to India's overall tally of six medals at the Games so far, which includes one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. The Indian weightlifting contingent has shown remarkable consistency and strength across various categories.[timesofindia+5]
Earlier in the Games, Mirabai Chanu secured India's first gold medal in weightlifting, dominating the women's 48kg category. Chanu's performance was record-breaking, as she lifted a Games record total of 190kg, with 85kg in snatch and 105kg in clean and jerk. Rishikanta Singh and Muthupandi Raja added to India's silver medal collection, competing in the men's 60kg and 65kg categories, respectively. Gyaneshwari Yadav also clinched a silver medal in the women's 53kg event, while Valluri Ajaya Babu secured another silver in the men's 79kg competition. These strong performances highlight India's continued excellence in Commonwealth Games weightlifting.[timesofindia+10]
A Journey of Dedication and Resilience
This bronze medal is Bindyarani Devi's second Commonwealth Games podium finish. She previously won a silver medal in the women's 55kg category at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Born on January 27, 1999, in Imphal, Manipur, Devi initially trained in taekwondo from 2008 to 2012 before transitioning to weightlifting in 2013. Her physical attributes were deemed more suitable for weightlifting, leading her to pursue the sport professionally.[tribuneindia+7]
Devi's journey has been marked by both success and challenges. She secured a gold medal at the 2019 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and a silver at the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. In 2023, she faced a significant setback due to a knee injury, affecting both her left and right knees and disrupting her training. Despite these obstacles and navigating changes between the 55kg and 58kg weight divisions, Devi has consistently showcased her resilience and commitment to the sport. Her ability to return to the podium in Glasgow underscores her dedication and perseverance as a top Indian weightlifter.[thebridge+4]
The Indian weightlifting squad continues to demonstrate its strength on the international stage, with Bindyarani Devi's bronze medal serving as another testament to the nation's athletic talent.
