Indian weightlifter Harjinder Kaur scripted another memorable chapter in her career by winning the silver medal in the women’s 69kg event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Four years after claiming bronze in Birmingham, the 29-year-old fulfilled her promise of returning stronger by upgrading her medal to silver.
Behind the podium finish lies an inspiring story of determination, financial hardship, and the unwavering support of her family—especially her father, whose modest sacrifices helped turn her dreams into reality.
A Father’s Faith That Never Wavered
Harjinder’s journey from Nabha to the Commonwealth Games podium was built on perseverance and family support.
During her early training years, every trip from her hometown to her college hostel in Sri Anandpur Sahib was made possible through her father’s careful financial planning. He would give her Rs 350 for the return journey and another Rs 350 for daily expenses, ensuring she could continue chasing her weightlifting ambitions despite limited resources.
Harjinder had previously shared that she often hesitated to ask for additional money, fully aware of the financial burden on her family. Those sacrifices became a constant source of motivation throughout her career.
She also recalled helping with household work, saying that cutting fodder during her childhood helped develop the strength that later benefited her in weightlifting.
Silver Medal Success in Glasgow
Harjinder delivered the finest performance of her Commonwealth career in Glasgow.
She registered personal-best lifts of:
- Snatch: 101kg
- Clean and Jerk: 126kg
- Total Lift: 227kg
During the competition, she twice improved the Commonwealth Games record in the snatch and also set new marks in the clean and jerk before Canada’s Charlotte Simoneau produced a remarkable performance to secure the gold medal with a total lift of 240kg.
Australia’s Nya Phebe Hayman claimed the bronze medal with a total of 218kg.
Harjinder’s silver became India’s seventh medal in weightlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Fulfilling a Promise Made After Birmingham
After winning bronze at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Harjinder had set herself one clear objective—to return and improve the colour of her medal.
Following her silver-medal finish, she expressed happiness at achieving that goal and revealed that her next target is the 2030 Commonwealth Games, where she hopes to win the gold medal.
The achievement marked another significant milestone in her steadily rising international career.
Medal Dedicated to Family and Support System
After stepping onto the podium, Harjinder dedicated her silver medal to her family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made throughout her sporting journey.
She also thanked the Indian Weightlifting Federation and the government for their continued support in helping athletes prepare for international competitions.
Eyes Now Set on Commonwealth Games Gold
With a bronze medal from Birmingham and silver from Glasgow, Harjinder has steadily climbed the Commonwealth Games podium.
Her latest performance, featuring personal-best lifts and record-breaking attempts, demonstrates her growing consistency on the international stage.
Now, the Indian weightlifter has already shifted her focus toward the 2030 Commonwealth Games, aiming to complete her medal collection with a gold.
Key Highlights
- Harjinder Kaur won the silver medal in the women’s 69kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
- She upgraded the bronze medal she won at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
- Harjinder recorded personal-best lifts of 101kg in the snatch and 126kg in the clean and jerk.
- Her total lift of 227kg secured India’s seventh weightlifting medal of the Games.
- The Indian weightlifter credited her family’s sacrifices, especially her father’s support, for her success.
- Harjinder has now set her sights on winning gold at the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
FAQs
1. Which medal did Harjinder Kaur win at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
She won the silver medal in the women’s 69kg weightlifting event.
2. How did Harjinder Kaur perform in Glasgow?
She lifted a personal-best total of 227kg, including 101kg in the snatch and 126kg in the clean and jerk.
3. What medal did Harjinder win at the previous Commonwealth Games?
She won the bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
4. Who won the gold medal in the women’s 69kg event?
Canadian weightlifter Charlotte Simoneau won the gold medal with a total lift of 240kg.
5. Who finished third in the competition?
Australia’s Nya Phebe Hayman secured the bronze medal.
6. What sacrifices did Harjinder Kaur’s family make?
Her father financially supported her training despite limited resources, providing money for travel and daily expenses while encouraging her sporting ambitions.
7. How many medals has India won in weightlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Harjinder’s silver became India’s seventh weightlifting medal of the Games.
8. What are Harjinder Kaur’s future goals?
She aims to compete at the 2030 Commonwealth Games and win the gold medal.
9. Which event does Harjinder Kaur compete in?
She competes in women’s weightlifting and won silver in the 69kg category at Glasgow 2026.
10. Why is Harjinder Kaur’s silver medal significant?
It marks an improvement from her bronze medal in Birmingham and highlights her continued rise as one of India’s leading weightlifters.
