India has steadily carved its mark in the global weightlifting arena, producing athletes who have not only shattered records but also broken barriers. From the earliest days of participation in the Commonwealth Games to the more recent podium finishes at the Olympics and Asian Games, Indian weightlifters have consistently demonstrated immense strength, determination, and national pride. The Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of all time reflect a rich legacy of perseverance and excellence that continues to inspire aspiring lifters across the country.
While legends like Karnam Malleswari paved the way by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, modern-day icons like Mirabai Chanu and Jeremy Lalrinnunga are pushing the boundaries even further on the international stage. These athletes have overcome not just physical challenges, but financial hardships and systemic limitations to achieve greatness. Their medal hauls, national records, and global recognition are a testament to their grit and the evolving stature of Indian weightlifting.
This list of the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters celebrates these pioneers and champions who have elevated the sport’s profile in India and earned their rightful place in the annals of sporting history. Get ready to be inspired by feats of pure strength, discipline, and determination.
Top 10 Indian Weightlifters you must know:
10. Sanjita Chanu
Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu has etched her name in Indian weightlifting history with grit, gold, and glory. A two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist (2014 Glasgow and 2018 Gold Coast), Sanjita is renowned for her explosive lifts in the 48 kg and 53 kg categories. Despite battling injuries and a controversial doping suspension that was later overturned, she bounced back stronger—proving that resilience is as important as raw power in weightlifting. Her performances are marked by exceptional technique and aggression in the clean and jerk phase, where she often outclassed her competitors.
Chanu’s journey from Manipur—a state that has produced several weightlifting champions—mirrors the rise of Indian women in strength sports. She began lifting at a young age and quickly rose through national ranks before making her mark internationally. Sanjita’s story is not just about medals, but about reclaiming her identity after adversity and proving her worth repeatedly on the global stage. Among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, Sanjita Chanu stands out for her determination, mental toughness, and the ability to rise despite obstacles. Her legacy continues to inspire countless young women who dream of making India proud in weightlifting.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Commonwealth Games | Gold (2014 & 2018) |
9. Pardeep Singh
Pardeep Singh represents the rise of heavyweight Indian lifters in the international circuit and firmly earns his place among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Competing in the 105 kg category, Pardeep made national headlines after winning a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. His powerful lifts, especially in the clean and jerk segment, have consistently set him apart as one of India’s strongest athletes in higher weight classes.
Hailing from Punjab, Pardeep began his journey with humble beginnings, training in modest gymnasiums and state-run facilities. His dedication and discipline helped him secure a place in the national team, and over the years, he has delivered solid performances both at the national and international levels. Known for his focus and raw strength, he has lifted over 352 kg combined in competition, an impressive feat in any arena.
Pardeep Singh’s achievements have helped elevate India’s status in the heavier divisions, which are traditionally dominated by countries like Iran, China, and Kazakhstan. His consistency and perseverance in such a competitive field have made him a role model for aspiring lifters. As one of the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, Pardeep continues to inspire future champions in the heavyweight category.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Commonwealth Games | Silver (2018) |
8. Ajay Singh
Ajay Singh is one of the most technically proficient and promising lifters of India’s current generation, firmly placing him among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Competing in the 81 kg weight category, Ajay has shown exceptional consistency and composure under pressure. His breakout moment came during the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, where he clinched the gold medal with a commanding total lift of 322 kg, while also setting a new national record in clean and jerk at 190 kg.
Born and raised in Rajasthan, Ajay’s entry into the sport began at a young age, nurtured through grassroots programs and national camps. His dedication to refining technique and maintaining form under heavy lifts sets him apart as an elite-level competitor. Ajay is known not just for his raw power, but also for his explosive speed and balance, especially in the clean and jerk phase.
With multiple national and international titles under his belt, Ajay is considered a strong Olympic hopeful and a cornerstone for India’s future in global weightlifting events. Among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, Ajay Singh exemplifies the perfect balance between power and precision, making him an athlete to watch as India looks to scale new heights in the sport.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| CWL Championships | Gold + National Record (2021) |
7. Vikas Thakur
Vikas Thakur is a veteran weightlifter who has consistently delivered podium-worthy performances across multiple international events, cementing his place among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Competing primarily in the 94 kg and 96 kg categories, Vikas has earned a remarkable three Commonwealth Games medals—silver in 2014 (Glasgow), bronze in 2018 (Gold Coast), and another silver in 2022 (Birmingham). His career reflects a decade-long commitment to excellence, resilience, and adaptability in a sport that demands peak performance year after year.
Born in Ludhiana, Punjab, Vikas comes from a family with limited means but rich in sporting ambition. His success is a result of relentless hard work, national camp training, and mental discipline. Known for his explosive clean and jerk lifts, Vikas has time and again powered his way into medal contention through last-attempt lifts, showcasing nerves of steel and competitive spirit.
Thakur’s consistency at the Commonwealth level and his leadership within the Indian weightlifting squad make him an inspiration to younger lifters. Despite battling injuries and evolving competition, he remains a medal threat. His inclusion in the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters celebrates not just his accolades, but also his longevity and unwavering passion for the sport.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Commonwealth Games | Silver and Bronze Medals (2014, 2018, 2022) |
6. Jeremy Lalrinnunga
Jeremy Lalrinnunga is the face of India’s next-gen weightlifting revolution and a standout entry in the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Hailing from Mizoram, Jeremy gained international attention by winning the gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games—a historic feat that made him the first Indian to ever win gold at the Youth Olympics in weightlifting. Since then, his meteoric rise has continued, highlighted by a sensational performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he claimed gold in the 67 kg category with a total lift of 300 kg.
Jeremy began weightlifting at just 9 years old, inspired by his father, a national-level boxer. He quickly progressed through junior national ranks and became a part of the Indian Army’s Boys Sports Company. His training has been rigorous and focused, turning him into a technically sound and physically explosive lifter. Known for his sharp form in snatch and clean & jerk, Jeremy has often broken national and Commonwealth records during major events.
Despite battling injuries, he has remained determined and focused on his long-term goal: an Olympic medal. As one of the youngest in the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, Jeremy represents the bright future of Indian sports—a mix of youth, skill, and unstoppable ambition.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Youth Olympics / CWG | Gold (2018 YOG, 2022 CWG) |
5. Ragala Venkat Rahul
Ragala Venkat Rahul holds a well-deserved spot among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time, thanks to his power-packed performances and clutch championship wins. A product of the Sports Authority of India system, Rahul rose to national prominence after winning the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the 85 kg weight category, lifting a total of 338 kg (151 kg snatch + 187 kg clean and jerk). His performance not only earned India a prestigious gold but also showcased his composure under pressure and his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Rahul comes from a humble background and was inspired by his father, who was also a weightlifter. With support from national coaching and intensive training regimens, he quickly climbed through the junior ranks and made a name for himself in senior international competitions. His technique is marked by explosive power and steady lifting posture, which gives him an edge in both segments of the sport.
Despite facing injuries and intense competition within the national team, Ragala continues to remain a strong presence in the Indian squad. As one of the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, his grit, discipline, and international success make him a role model for emerging lifters in India.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Commonwealth Games | Gold (2018) |
4. Kunjarani Devi
Ngangbam Kunjarani Devi is a legend in Indian weightlifting and one of the earliest icons who inspired generations of women to embrace strength sports. Hailing from Manipur, Kunjarani dominated the national and international circuits throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, making her a rightful entry in the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Competing primarily in the 44 kg and 46 kg categories, she won over 50 international medals, including a streak of podium finishes at the Asian Championships, World Championships, and multiple Commonwealth Games.
Known for her unmatched dedication and endurance, Kunjarani Devi won six gold medals at the Asian Championships and secured silver medals at three consecutive World Championships (1991, 1993, 1995). Despite narrowly missing out on an Olympic medal, her contribution to Indian sports was acknowledged with the Arjuna Award (1990), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1996), and Padma Shri (2011)—making her one of the most decorated female athletes in Indian history.
Kunjarani was not just a competitor but a trailblazer who helped elevate the visibility of Indian women in strength-based sports. Among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, her legacy is profound—not just for the medals, but for the path she carved for champions like Mirabai Chanu.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Asian/World Championships | Multiple Podiums (1991–1999) |
3. Satheesha Rai
Satheesha Rai is one of the most consistent and celebrated Indian weightlifters from the late 1990s to early 2000s, earning his place among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Hailing from Karnataka, he became a dominant force in the 77 kg and 85 kg categories, especially at the Commonwealth Games, where he bagged a total of five medals—including two golds and multiple silvers and bronzes across the 1998 and 2002 editions. His success elevated India’s presence in international weightlifting at a time when the country was still making its mark.
Satheesha’s standout moment came at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, where he clinched double gold, showcasing both power and finesse in snatch and clean & jerk. He followed it up with a silver and two bronzes at the 2002 Manchester Games, reinforcing his status as a consistent performer under pressure. Known for his excellent balance and precise lifting technique, he was respected not only for his achievements but also for his sportsmanship and professionalism.
Awarded the Arjuna Award in 1999, Satheesha Rai’s impact goes beyond medals—he inspired a generation of lifters from South India and laid the groundwork for future success in Indian men’s weightlifting. In the pantheon of the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, Satheesha remains a pillar of excellence and consistency.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Commonwealth Games | Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals (1998 & 2002) |
2. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu stands as one of the most iconic and celebrated athletes in Indian sporting history. A beacon of resilience and excellence, she has redefined the perception of strength sports in the country. Her incredible journey from a small village in Manipur to the Olympic podium places her securely at #2 among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Competing in the 49 kg weight category, Chanu made history by winning the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, ending a 21-year Olympic weightlifting medal drought for India.
Her career is a remarkable comeback story. After a disappointing performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she failed to register a lift, many doubted her future. But Chanu returned stronger than ever, claiming gold at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships and multiple Commonwealth Games golds (2018 and 2022), showcasing dominance in both snatch and clean & jerk. She has also set several national and world records, establishing herself among the sport’s global elite.
Recognized with the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Mirabai Chanu is more than just an athlete—she is a national symbol of perseverance, humility, and power. Among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters, her legacy is already cemented, with more glory likely on the horizon.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Olympics / World Champs | Olympic Silver (2020), WWC Gold (2017) |
1. Karnam Malleswari
Karnam Malleswari is undeniably the greatest icon in Indian weightlifting history and rightfully takes the #1 position among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters of All Time. Her legendary feat at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she won the bronze medal in the 69 kg category, made her the first Indian woman to ever win an Olympic medal. That groundbreaking moment was not only historic for Indian weightlifting but marked a turning point in Indian women’s sports, inspiring generations of athletes across disciplines.
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Malleswari began training in weightlifting at the age of 12 and quickly gained recognition for her extraordinary strength and tenacity. Before her Olympic glory, she had already achieved international success, winning multiple World Championship medals, including two golds and two silvers between 1993 and 1996. Known for her explosive snatch technique and commanding clean and jerk, she consistently broke records and dominated the international scene in her prime.
Malleswari’s contribution to Indian sports earned her the Arjuna Award (1994), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1995), and Padma Shri (1999). Beyond her medals, she remains a trailblazer—proving that Indian women could excel on the world’s biggest stages. As the queen of Indian weightlifting, Karnam Malleswari’s legacy will forever reign atop the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters list, symbolizing power, pride, and the spirit of a nation.
| Event | Best Achievement |
| Olympics / Worlds | Olympic Bronze (2000), Gold and Silver World Medals |
FAQs
Q: Who is the most successful Indian weightlifter of all time?
Karnam Malleswari is widely regarded as the most successful athlete among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters. She won a bronze at the 2000 Olympics—the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal—and secured multiple medals at the World Weightlifting Championships.
Q: Has India ever won an Olympic medal in weightlifting?
Yes, India has won two Olympic medals in weightlifting—Karnam Malleswari (Bronze, 2000 Sydney) and Mirabai Chanu (Silver, 2020 Tokyo). Both are featured among the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters for their historic achievements.
Q: What are India’s achievements in Commonwealth weightlifting?
Indian lifters featured in the Top 10 Indian Weightlifters have contributed to over 120 medals in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games, including multiple golds—making it one of the country’s strongest and most successful sports at the event.
Read More:
