Weightlifter Harjinder Kaur has brought glory to the country by winning the silver medal in the 69kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The family of Harjinder, a resident of Patiala, has expressed immense happiness on her achievement and remembered her struggle-filled journey.
Patiala (Punjab) [भारत]July 29 (ANI): Harjinder Kaur’s family has expressed happiness after she won the silver medal in the women’s 69 kg weightlifting category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. His father Sahib Singh, mother Kuldeep Kaur and brother Preetpal Singh have praised his inspirational journey. Harjinder gave one of the best performances of his career and lifted his best total of 227 kg, which included 101 kg in snatch and 126 kg in clean and jerk. Charlotte Simoneau of Canada won the gold medal by lifting a total weight of 235 kg (108 kg in snatch and 127 kg in clean and jerk).
The family expressed happiness, father said – ‘This happiness is bigger than harvesting the crop’
Speaking to ANI, Harjinder Kaur’s father Sahib Singh said that her achievement has brought more happiness than a good harvest. He remembered his years of hard work while staying away from home. He said, “We are very happy. This is more happiness than harvesting crops. She has been away in the camps. She has made us proud. Coming from a poor family to reach here is a big thing.” He further added, “When she started Kabaddi and then weightlifting, the situation was very bad. It was difficult to survive. Then my son started working and gradually the situation improved. Then Harjinder started winning. God helped us.”
Harjinder Kaur’s mother Kuldeep Kaur also expressed immense happiness after seeing her daughter winning the silver medal. He said that the family is very happy and congratulations are being received from relatives and the entire village on Harjinder’s victory. She said, “I was very happy watching it on TV. When she won, we were all very happy. After the match, she called and congratulated the entire family. I feel very good. God is with my daughter. Everyone is congratulating us – relatives, the entire village.”
Harjinder Kaur’s brother Preetpal Singh said that the family is very excited. “We were watching the match live last night, Harjinder’s competition. We came to know that he had won the silver and after a while he called us for about half a minute to confirm that he had won the silver medal. The struggle was a lot. Competing at the international level requires hard work. Household chores, family functions… he was not allowed to attend. His camp has been going on for the last one year. He was not allowed to come home. After a lot of hard work, Harjinder has won this medal. I also want to say to other parents: Support your daughters and children in whatever they want to do. If you believe in them, good results will come.” He further said, “There is a very happy atmosphere in our village. Big personalities have tweeted to congratulate him. It is a proud moment for our area, country and village.”
Harjinder’s record breaking performance
This weightlifter from Punjab made a great start in the competition by breaking the Commonwealth Games record in snatch twice. After successfully lifting 96 kg, he set a Games record with an effort of 99 kg and then bettered it with an impressive lift of 101 kg in his final attempt. Her record-breaking performance in the snatch kept her firmly in the race for gold in the clean and jerk.
Harjinder started the second phase with a comfortable lift of 120 kg and reached the top position for some time, after which she successfully lifted 126 kg to ensure the silver medal with her career best total. Although Simoneau regained the lead with a decisive final lift to seal the title, Harjinder’s performance highlighted India’s continued dominance in weightlifting at the Glasgow Games.
Second Commonwealth medal of career
This silver medal is Harjinder’s second consecutive Commonwealth Games podium finish, having earlier won a bronze medal at the Birmingham 2022 Games, and has also bettered the color of her previous medal. Born in Nabha, Punjab, the 28-year-old has emerged as one of India’s leading weightlifters, and her latest achievement has further boosted India’s medal tally in one of India’s strongest disciplines at the Games. (ANI)
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