Mandaviya Felicitates CWG Weightlifters, Hails India’s Medal-Winning Campaign

NEW DELHI, Aug 3: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday felicitated India’s Commonwealth Games weightlifting contingent, praising the athletes for their impressive medal haul and saying every medal they won brought pride and joy to the nation. India’s weightlifting team returned from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with eight medals, including one gold, six silver and one bronze. Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu secured the country’s only gold medal, completing a hat-trick of Commonwealth Games titles after her triumphs in 2018 and 2022. GeographicReference At the felicitation ceremony, Mirabai received a cash award of ₹30 lakh, while silver medallists were presented with ₹20 lakh each and the bronze medallist received ₹10 lakh. Addressing the athletes, Mandaviya said their achievements had inspired the entire country. “Every medal you win brings immense joy to the nation. Whenever an Indian athlete won a medal in Glasgow, the achievement was announced in Parliament before the day’s proceedings began,” he said. Encouraging those who missed out on podium finishes, the minister said setbacks are part of an athlete’s journey. “A sportsperson never truly loses—they either win or learn to win again. I am confident that those who narrowly missed medals this time will return stronger in future competitions,” he added. Speaking after the ceremony, Mirabai expressed gratitude for the recognition and support extended to the team. “Receiving so much love and being felicitated along with my teammates is a special moment. I am happy to have contributed to India’s success,” she said. Mirabai said her immediate focus is on next month’s Asian Games in Japan, where she will compete in the 49kg category following the discontinuation of the 48kg event. She described an Asian Games medal as her next major target, noting that it is the only major honour missing from her career. On the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Mirabai said she would take a decision later, as weight categories are expected to change again, with the lowest category likely to begin at 53kg. For now, she said, her complete focus remains on the Asian Games.