On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu extended her congratulations to weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav for winning a silver medal in the women's 53kg category during her debut at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

With this achievement, Gyaneshwari contributed to India's medal tally, which now stands at five—comprising one gold, three silvers, and one bronze—showcasing the nation's strong performance at the Games.

Praise from President Murmu

In a post on X, President Murmu commended Gyaneshwari for her dedication and hard work, calling her performance inspiring. She expressed her hopes for Gyaneshwari's continued success, stating, "Heartiest congratulations to Gyaneshwari Yadav on securing the Silver Medal in the Women's 53 kg weightlifting event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Your inspiring performance is a testament to your discipline and hard work. May you continue to scale greater heights in future."

Gyaneshwari's Journey to Silver

The 23-year-old athlete from Chhattisgarh exhibited exceptional determination and composure throughout the competition, setting multiple Games records in her quest for the top position, as reported by ESPN.

Highlights from the Snatch Round

Gyaneshwari kicked off her event with an impressive 82kg lift in the snatch, followed by a successful 85kg attempt. She then achieved a remarkable 88kg lift, breaking the Commonwealth Games record in her category, which put pressure on her competitor, Didih. However, Didih responded with a record-breaking 93kg snatch, taking the lead into the clean and jerk round.

The Clean and Jerk Showdown

The competition intensified as both athletes demonstrated outstanding strength and technique. Gyaneshwari began the clean and jerk with a powerful 103kg lift, bringing her total to 191kg and setting another Games record. She then lifted 107kg, further improving her mark and narrowing the gap to Didih.

With the gold medal within reach, Gyaneshwari attempted a final lift of 111kg, which she successfully completed, finishing with a total of 199kg. This lift not only earned her another Games and Commonwealth record but also showcased her incredible talent. However, Didih secured the gold with a stunning 113kg lift, totaling 206kg.

A Milestone in Gyaneshwari's Career

Although she did not clinch the gold, Gyaneshwari's silver medal represents a significant achievement in her career. Previously competing in the 49kg category, she moved up to 53kg, acknowledging the challenge posed by India's Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu in the lower weight class.