Imphal: Manipur rolled out the red carpet for Commonwealth Games stars Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi and Chanambam Rishikanta on August 10. The pair landed at Imphal International Airport after their medal run in Glasgow. Supporters, family, and officials from the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports and the All Manipur Weightlifting Association swarmed the terminal with garlands.
Bindyarani grabbed bronze in the women's 58-kg class. Rishikanta took silver in the men's 60-kg division. They drew a massive crowd.
Bindyarani thanked her coaches, family, and supporters for the success. She argued that local women thrive when they get steady backing. She wants more support to push female athletes toward bigger wins. Rishikanta had his sights set on gold but walked away with silver. He called the result a "dream come true" and plans to ramp up his training for future meets.
Naorem Praveen Singh, Commissioner of Youth Affairs and Sports, lauded the duo. He noted how their grit overcame every hurdle. Singh pointed to the dominance of Manipuri women in international sports. He also confirmed that weightlifters Saikhom Mirabai and M Jadumani Singh will head to the upcoming Asian Games.
Updated at 10th August 2026 at 9:51pm
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hosted a separate felicitation for Rishikanta at the Secretariat on Monday. The CM dangled the prospect of fatter cash incentives for athletes who snag medals at national and international meets. He highlighted the reality that many local stars fight through grinding poverty to represent the state, stressing that the community and local clubs act as the backbone for these athletes.
Rishikanta pushed back against the idea that a lack of money for expensive diets should stop young athletes from chasing their goals. He told the gathered ministers and officials that financial strain should not be a dead end for hungry talent.
Updated at 11th August 2026 at 9:47am
Beyond the Secretariat talks, Rishikanta has locked his crosshairs on the upcoming Asian Games, aiming to upgrade his silver hardware for gold. He credited the Sports Authority of India and the national federation for his development, noting they played a key role in his journey alongside his family and friends.
The felicitation at the Secretariat drew a wide circle of officials, including Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam and a string of MLAs: Sapam Ranjan Singh, Th. Radheshyam, P. Brojen Singh, T. Robindro, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Janghemlung Panmei, Th. Shyamkumar Singh, and Th. Raghumani Singh. MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh added his voice to the praise, noting that the medalist hails from his own constituency.
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