Rishikanta Singh Ruled Out of Asian Games, India to Have No Male Weightlifter
Rishikanta Singh has been ruled out of the 2026 Asian Games with a knee injury, leaving India with an all-women weightlifting contingent.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Rishikanta Singh has been ruled out of the 2026 Asian Games after a medical assessment of his knee injury. His withdrawal means India will have no male weightlifter competing at the continental event.
The 60kg lifter from Manipur suffered the knee problem shortly before the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July but recovered in time to compete and win a silver medal. India had hoped he would regain full fitness before the Asian Games, but his latest assessment has led to a month-long rehabilitation programme.
Rishikanta was the only male weightlifter included in India's Asian Games squad, making his absence a significant setback for the country's campaign.
India's revised weightlifting contingent will now consist entirely of four women. Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will compete in the 49kg category, while Gyaneshwari Yadav will contest the 53kg division. Nirupama Devi has been selected for the 61kg category, with Harjinder Kaur set to compete in the 69kg class.
Rishikanta's injury comes after his encouraging performance at the Commonwealth Games, where he secured silver despite entering the competition after dealing with the knee issue. His focus will now shift towards rehabilitation and returning to competition after the Asian Games.
