Indian weightlifting medallists Mirabai Chanu and Lovepreet Singh received a grand welcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday [1].
The reception underscores the national significance of the athletes' achievements at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where weightlifting emerged as a primary driver of India's success.
Hundreds of fans gathered at the New Delhi airport to greet the returning athletes [3]. The crowd welcomed the first batch of medallists, which included Chanu and Singh [1]. Some reports also noted the presence of Gyaneshwari Yadav among those receiving the greeting [2].
India's weightlifting contingent performed strongly during the event, securing eight weightlifting medals in total [2]. These individual achievements contributed to a broader national effort in Glasgow, where India earned 39 medals overall [4]. The final tally consisted of 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze medals [4].
The athletes arrived in New Delhi following the conclusion of the Games, returning to a public celebration of their podium finishes. The event at the airport served as the first official homecoming for the medallists after their competition in Scotland.
“Hundreds of fans gathered at the New Delhi airport to greet the returning athletes.”
The high-profile reception at Indira Gandhi International Airport reflects the cultural weight of sporting success in India. By securing eight medals in weightlifting alone, India has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the discipline, using the Commonwealth Games as a benchmark for athletic development and national prestige.
