Weightlifting has quietly become one of India’s most reliable medal sports at the Commonwealth Games, and heading into the Glasgow 2026 edition, that reputation is on the line again. The Indian Weightlifting Federation has picked an 11-strong squad for the Games. The Indian team will once again look to maintain that impressive record with a strong mix of experienced campaigners and rising talent.
India’s biggest medal hope is Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu, who has enjoyed remarkable success at the Commonwealth Games. She won gold medals in Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, after claiming silver at Glasgow 2014. With another Commonwealth campaign ahead, Chanu will be aiming to add a third consecutive gold medal to her collection.
Although she missed the Asian Weightlifting Championships earlier this year due to a shoulder injury, Chanu returned to competition by winning the national title in February. Her comeback has boosted India’s hopes of another podium finish.
Experienced Squad Ready for Glasgow
India has selected a balanced squad featuring several athletes with proven international success.
Alongside Mirabai Chanu, Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur, both silver medallists at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will once again compete for top honours. Lovepreet Singh, who won bronze in Birmingham, also returns with valuable experience.
The squad is further strengthened by Gyaneshwari Yadav, Sanjana, M Raja, Rishikanta Singh, Ajaya Babu, and Dilbag Singh, giving India a combination of experienced performers and promising newcomers capable of challenging for medals.
Can India Repeat Its Medal Success?
India has enjoyed outstanding results in recent Commonwealth Games. The weightlifting team won nine medals, including five gold, at Gold Coast 2018, followed by an even better performance of 10 medals at Birmingham 2022.
Expectations are once again high. With multiple returning medallists and several athletes in excellent form, India is expected to finish among the strongest weightlifting nations at the Games. A haul of 8 to 10 medals is considered a realistic target if the team performs to its potential.
The weightlifting competition will take place from 26 to 30 July at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.
As India begins another Commonwealth Games campaign, much of the spotlight will be on Mirabai Chanu’s pursuit of a third consecutive Commonwealth gold. At the same time, the rest of the squad will be eager to build on India’s rich weightlifting legacy and deliver another memorable medal haul.