Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Announces ₹30 Lakh Reward for Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist Raja Muthupandi

Chennai, July 2026 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced a ₹30 lakh cash incentive for weightlifter Raja Muthupandi in recognition of his silver medal-winning performance in the men’s 65kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland. The announcement underscores the State government’s commitment to encouraging sporting excellence and supporting athletes who bring laurels to the nation.

Congratulating the young weightlifter on his impressive achievement, the Chief Minister said Raja Muthupandi’s success was a proud moment for both Tamil Nadu and India. He expressed confidence that the athlete’s accomplishment would inspire aspiring sportspersons across the State to pursue excellence and represent the country on the international stage.

Raja secured the silver medal with a combined lift of 286kg, comprising 126kg in the snatch and 160kg in the clean and jerk. He began the competition with a successful 125kg snatch before improving to 126kg on his second attempt. Although he was unable to clear 129kg in his final snatch attempt, he remained firmly in medal contention.

In the clean and jerk event, Raja successfully lifted 158kg and followed it up with an impressive 160kg effort. His final attempt at 170kg proved unsuccessful, but his overall total was enough to clinch the silver medal and secure a podium finish for India.

Praising the lifter’s determination and consistency, Chief Minister Vijay described the performance as a remarkable achievement that reflected years of hard work and perseverance. In a message shared on social media, he congratulated Raja for bringing pride to Tamil Nadu and announced the ₹30 lakh reward as a token of appreciation for his outstanding contribution to Indian sport.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Raja Muthupandi for winning the silver medal in the men’s 65kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. His success is a matter of immense pride for Tamil Nadu. May this achievement inspire our youth, and I wish him many more victories that will bring honour to both Tamil Nadu and the nation,” the Chief Minister said.

The cash award is among the highest sports incentives announced by the Tamil Nadu government and reflects its continued emphasis on nurturing athletic talent and recognising international achievements.

Raja Muthupandi has steadily emerged as one of India’s most promising weightlifters. In 2025, he won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Championships with a total lift of 296kg. He further enhanced his reputation at the World Weightlifting Championships in Førde, Norway, where he registered a personal best of 299kg, including a 130kg snatch and 169kg clean and jerk, finishing ninth in the highly competitive 65kg category.

His consistent performances at major international events have established him as one of India’s leading weightlifters and a strong medal prospect for future global competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

With the State government extending financial support and recognition, Raja Muthupandi’s latest achievement is expected to encourage more young athletes to pursue competitive sports while reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s reputation as one of India’s leading sporting states.