CWG 2026: Kunjarani Devi Backs Indian Weightlifters for Glasgow Glory, Urges Athletes to 'Play Fair'

New Delhi, July 23: Indian weightlifting icon N. Kunjarani Devi has backed the country's lifters to continue their rich Commonwealth Games tradition, expressing confidence that the 12-member Indian contingent will return from Glasgow with medals despite the disruption caused by recent doping suspensions.

One of India's most decorated weightlifters before Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal at Sydney Olympics in 2000, Kunjarani was the flagbearer for India. The Manipur-born Arjuna Awardee believes the blend of experienced campaigners and rising stars gives India every chance of extending its success in one of the nation's strongest Commonwealth disciplines.

"From my experience, I can say Indian men and women will definitely win medals. Maybe gold, maybe silver, but they will not come back empty-handed. They will bring medals for India," Kunjarani (58) said during a virtual interaction facilitated by Sports Authority of India ahead of the CWG 2026.

India named 12 weightlifters for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, including seven women and five men. Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will spearhead the challenge alongside Bindyarani Devi, Gyaneshwari Yadav, Harjinder Kaur, Sanjana, Seram Nirupama Devi and Martina Devi Maibam in the women's events. Lovepreet Singh, Valuri Ajaya Babu, Rishikanta Singh Chanambam, Raja Muthupandi and Dilbag Singh made up the men's squad.

Dilbagh Singh, however, will return after home after India's quota was reduced to 11 from 16 after five athletes tested positive for dope. India sent 12 athletes but now Dilbagh will return home with no fault of his own.

Kunjarani's confidence also reflects Manipur's enduring dominance in Indian weightlifting. The state once again forms the backbone of the national squad, with five of India's 12 lifters for Glasgow hailing from Manipur, including Mirabai Chanu, Bindyarani Devi, Seram Nirupama Devi, Martina Devi Maibam and Rishikanta Singh Chanambam. Kunjarani herself, an Imphal native, was the pioneer who helped put Indian women's weightlifting on the world map, paving the way for generations of Manipuri lifters to follow.

Kunjarani built one of the finest careers in Indian sport. She won seven silver medals at the World Championships between 1989 and 1997, claimed bronze medals at the 1990 Beijing and 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, and crowned her illustrious career with Commonwealth Games gold medals in Manchester (2002) and Melbourne (2006).

Long before India became a regular medal contender in weightlifting, Kunjarani had established herself as one of the country's most consistent performers on the international stage.

Her longevity was reflected in her ability to excel across three weight categories during an illustrious international career spanning nearly two decades. She won three World Championships silver medals and an Asian Games bronze in the 44kg class, added four more World Championships silver medals and another Asian Games bronze after moving to the 46kg division, before crowning her career with back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold medals in the 48kg category at Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006. The seamless transition across weight classes while maintaining world-class standards remains one of the defining features of her remarkable career.

'Play Fair, Say No to Drugs'

India's preparations, however, suffered a setback after three weightlifters were suspended over doping violations in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games.

While refraining from commenting on individual cases, Kunjarani described the episode as unfortunate and urged athletes to protect both their careers and the country's reputation.

"It is very bad. It should not happen. Our prestige is very important. I don't want to speak much because doping is a very sensitive issue. I want to tell all players-say no to drugs, play fair and compete with your real strength. Fight not just for yourself, but for the country," she said.

She added that anti-doping agencies such as NADA and WADA continue to play a crucial role in keeping the sport clean and stressed that every athlete must uphold the spirit of fair competition.

Support Has Improved Tremendously

Having competed across three weight categories (44, 46 and 48 kg) during her career, Kunjarani acknowledged that Indian athletes today enjoy significantly better support than her generation.

She credited the government's sustained investment in sport for India's improved performances on the global stage, pointing to better coaching, sports science, financial backing and overseas exposure now available to elite athletes.

"Everything is ready to help athletes win medals now. From the Prime Minister to the federations, everyone is supporting Indian sport. We have coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, doctors and financial support. Now it is the responsibility of the athletes to make the most of these facilities and bring glory to the country," she said.

At the same time, the former champion believes no amount of support can replace personal discipline.

"Today players have nutritionists, physiotherapists and every kind of support. But maintaining weight, following schedules and staying disciplined is still the athlete's responsibility," she said.

Mental Preparation Key to Success

Kunjarani also highlighted the importance of mental freshness in the final weeks before a major championship, saying athletes must avoid distractions and focus solely on competition.

"The last month before competition is very crucial. Players should stay relaxed, keep a cool mind and think only about winning medals," she said, adding that overseas training camps before major events help athletes acclimatise while staying mentally prepared.