- By Samannay Sen
- Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:54 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- The 60kg weightlifter had been dealing with the problem for quite some time.
- Chief coach Vijay Sharma confirmed that the team has decided against risking Rishikanta's fitness.
- India will now hope that Rishikanta can use this break to recover.
Another big blow has struck the Indian contingent ahead of the Asian Games 2026 as Commonwealth Games 2026 silver medallist Rishikanta Singh has been ruled out of the tournament due to a recurring knee injury.
The 60kg weightlifter had been dealing with the problem for quite some time but still managed to clinch a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow despite the discomfort.
However, the injury has not eased enough for him to compete at the Asian Games in Japan.
Chief coach Vijay Sharma confirmed that the team has decided against risking Rishikanta's fitness by sending him to Nagoya.
Why Is Rishikanta Singh Ruled Out?
Rishikanta has encountered a recurring knee problem for a while. Although the injury did not prevent him from competing through the pain and winning silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, his condition has not improved ahead of the Asian Games.
Vijay Sharma confirmed that the decision was taken with the weightlifter's long-term fitness in mind.
“He managed to claim the Commonwealth Games silver despite the injury, but he will not be able to take part in the Asian Games,” Sharma said.
The decision is a major setback for India, with Rishikanta being the lone male weightlifter selected for the Asian Games squad.
India Without Male Weightlifting Representation
Rishikanta's withdrawal means India will have no male weightlifter competing at the Asian Games 2026.
The 60kg lifter had entered the tournament with hefty expectations after his silver-medal-winning performance at the Commonwealth Games. However, his recurring knee injury has now forced him to miss the multi-sport event in Japan.
It is surely be a huge loss for India considering weightlifting as one of their key sport in success.
India will now hope that Rishikanta can use this break to recover fully and return to competition without risking further damage to his knee. The dream to grab another medal at the Asian Games 2026 is shattered for the Indian star athlete.
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Indian Weightlifting Squad & Categories
Athlete | Event/Weight Category | Status |
Mirabai Chanu | Women's 49kg | Lead lifter chasing her first elusive Asian Games medal. |
Gyaneshwari Yadav | Women's 53kg | Commonwealth Games silver medallist. |
Seram Nirupama Devi | Women's 61kg | Promising lifter aiming for a personal best. |
Harjinder Kaur | Women's 69kg | Commonwealth Games silver medallist. |
Rishikanta Singh Chanambam | Men's 60kg | Withdrawn due to injury. |