Rishikanta Singh being felicitated at the airport, on Sunday. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Aug 2: Commonwealth Games medallists from Manipur were accorded a grand welcome in New Delhi on Sunday as the Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) felicitated members of the Indian weightlifting contingent following their medal-winning campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The contingent was received by members of the DMCC at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after its arrival at around 11.05 a.m. The athletes and coaching staff were honoured for bringing laurels to both Manipur and the country.
The 16-member Indian weightlifting contingent comprised 11 athletes and five coaches, including six representatives from Manipur, namely Olympic medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Bindyarani Devi, Nirupama, Martina, Rishikanta Singh and coach Nafisha.
Manipuri lifters once again emerged as the backbone of India's weightlifting campaign, with Mirabai Chanu clinching gold, Rishikanta Singh securing silver and Bindyarani Devi winning bronze in their respective weight categories.
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu being felicitated at the airport, on Sunday. (AT Photo)
Speaking on the sidelines of the reception, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Rishikanta said his immediate priority is to recover from the injury that hampered his performance before beginning preparations for the Asian Games, which are scheduled to begin on October 4.
"I need to recover from the pain and physical problems first. Once I am fully fit, I will resume training. This will be my first appearance at the Asian Games, so I have to prepare carefully under the guidance of my doctors and coaches," he said.
Rishikanta said the silver medal brought immense joy to his family, particularly his father, and expressed hope that peace would soon return to Manipur.
"I also pray that peace returns to Manipur. If there is peace, many more athletes who are even better than me will emerge from the state," he said.
Manipur's contribution to India's medal tally extended beyond weightlifting, with boxer Mandengbam Jadumani Singh claiming silver in the men's 55kg event.
The state's athletes accounted for four of India's medals at the Glasgow Games, further reinforcing Manipur's reputation as one of the country's leading sporting hubs.
Congratulating the contingent, members of the Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee said the performances of Manipuri athletes had once again highlighted the state's rich sporting legacy, particularly in weightlifting.
They also wished the athletes and coaching staff success in future international competitions, especially at the upcoming Asian Games.