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Deadspin | Reds get first look at Cardinals RHP Dustin May  Jul 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dustin May (3) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   With both sides attempting to gain ground in the National League wild-card race, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game series on Friday night.  The Cardinals have dropped five of seven games since the All-Star break and sit 1 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final NL wild-card spot. St. Louis also is a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are currently the first NL team out of the playoff picture.  Trying to stay afloat in the playoff chase, the Reds enter their third consecutive road set riding a pair of series victories. Cincinnati, which is six games behind the Diamondbacks, took two of three from both the Colorado Rockies and the Seattle Mariners.  Since St. Louis’ Dustin May hurled a one-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres on June 15, little has gone right for the right-hander. In five starts since the gem, May (5-7, 4.78 ERA) is 0-1 with a 9.92 ERA.  May threw five innings for the first time in more than a month on Saturday, but he surrendered five runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking four in a 5-3 loss at Arizona.  Despite May’s rough patch, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has confidence the 28-year-old can find his rhythm again.  “He’s competed well. He went through a stretch there where he gave us some really good outings,” Marmol said. “After the complete game, there have been some ups and downs, but he’s good enough to get out of this.”  Making the 91st appearance (77th start) of his major league career, May will face Cincinnati for the first time.   Among the Reds getting their first look at May will be All-Star first baseman Sal Stewart. The 22-year-old ranks fourth in the majors with 74 RBIs after knocking in nine runs across the club’s first two series since the midseason break.  “I think there are guys that relish those opportunities,” Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said of Stewart’s success with runners on base. “He’s so strong and he’s got great hitter’s hands. The ball just jumps off his bat.”  Despite the RBI surge, Stewart is batting just .130 (3-for-23) since the break.  On the mound, Rhett Lowder (3-7, 5.75 ERA) will be chasing a bounce-back effort for Cincinnati.  After appearing as a starter for his first 13 outings of the year, Lowder made three appearances out of the bullpen before re-emerging in the rotation after the All-Star break. Last time out, the 24-year-old right-hander lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs on 11 hits in a 10-3 loss to the Rockies on Saturday in Denver. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.  “(Colorado) was just being aggressive and I was probably leaving too many thick pitches for them. Balls were just finding holes,” Lowder said of that outing. “It was very frustrating.”  Lowder has thrown eight scoreless innings across a pair of starts against the Cardinals during his career. He faced St. Louis on June 7, allowing just one hit but walking five across three scoreless innings in a no-decision. The Reds lost 5-3.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reds #Cardinals #RHP #Dustin

Deadspin | Reds get first look at Cardinals RHP Dustin May
Deadspin | Reds get first look at Cardinals RHP Dustin May  Jul 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dustin May (3) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   With both sides attempting to gain ground in the National League wild-card race, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game series on Friday night.  The Cardinals have dropped five of seven games since the All-Star break and sit 1 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final NL wild-card spot. St. Louis also is a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are currently the first NL team out of the playoff picture.  Trying to stay afloat in the playoff chase, the Reds enter their third consecutive road set riding a pair of series victories. Cincinnati, which is six games behind the Diamondbacks, took two of three from both the Colorado Rockies and the Seattle Mariners.  Since St. Louis’ Dustin May hurled a one-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres on June 15, little has gone right for the right-hander. In five starts since the gem, May (5-7, 4.78 ERA) is 0-1 with a 9.92 ERA.  May threw five innings for the first time in more than a month on Saturday, but he surrendered five runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking four in a 5-3 loss at Arizona.  Despite May’s rough patch, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has confidence the 28-year-old can find his rhythm again.  “He’s competed well. He went through a stretch there where he gave us some really good outings,” Marmol said. “After the complete game, there have been some ups and downs, but he’s good enough to get out of this.”  Making the 91st appearance (77th start) of his major league career, May will face Cincinnati for the first time.   Among the Reds getting their first look at May will be All-Star first baseman Sal Stewart. The 22-year-old ranks fourth in the majors with 74 RBIs after knocking in nine runs across the club’s first two series since the midseason break.  “I think there are guys that relish those opportunities,” Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said of Stewart’s success with runners on base. “He’s so strong and he’s got great hitter’s hands. The ball just jumps off his bat.”  Despite the RBI surge, Stewart is batting just .130 (3-for-23) since the break.  On the mound, Rhett Lowder (3-7, 5.75 ERA) will be chasing a bounce-back effort for Cincinnati.  After appearing as a starter for his first 13 outings of the year, Lowder made three appearances out of the bullpen before re-emerging in the rotation after the All-Star break. Last time out, the 24-year-old right-hander lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs on 11 hits in a 10-3 loss to the Rockies on Saturday in Denver. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.  “(Colorado) was just being aggressive and I was probably leaving too many thick pitches for them. Balls were just finding holes,” Lowder said of that outing. “It was very frustrating.”  Lowder has thrown eight scoreless innings across a pair of starts against the Cardinals during his career. He faced St. Louis on June 7, allowing just one hit but walking five across three scoreless innings in a no-decision. The Reds lost 5-3.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reds #Cardinals #RHP #DustinJul 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dustin May (3) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

With both sides attempting to gain ground in the National League wild-card race, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game series on Friday night.

The Cardinals have dropped five of seven games since the All-Star break and sit 1 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final NL wild-card spot. St. Louis also is a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are currently the first NL team out of the playoff picture.

Trying to stay afloat in the playoff chase, the Reds enter their third consecutive road set riding a pair of series victories. Cincinnati, which is six games behind the Diamondbacks, took two of three from both the Colorado Rockies and the Seattle Mariners.

Since St. Louis’ Dustin May hurled a one-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres on June 15, little has gone right for the right-hander. In five starts since the gem, May (5-7, 4.78 ERA) is 0-1 with a 9.92 ERA.

May threw five innings for the first time in more than a month on Saturday, but he surrendered five runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking four in a 5-3 loss at Arizona.

Despite May’s rough patch, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has confidence the 28-year-old can find his rhythm again.

“He’s competed well. He went through a stretch there where he gave us some really good outings,” Marmol said. “After the complete game, there have been some ups and downs, but he’s good enough to get out of this.”


Making the 91st appearance (77th start) of his major league career, May will face Cincinnati for the first time.

Among the Reds getting their first look at May will be All-Star first baseman Sal Stewart. The 22-year-old ranks fourth in the majors with 74 RBIs after knocking in nine runs across the club’s first two series since the midseason break.

“I think there are guys that relish those opportunities,” Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said of Stewart’s success with runners on base. “He’s so strong and he’s got great hitter’s hands. The ball just jumps off his bat.”

Despite the RBI surge, Stewart is batting just .130 (3-for-23) since the break.

On the mound, Rhett Lowder (3-7, 5.75 ERA) will be chasing a bounce-back effort for Cincinnati.

After appearing as a starter for his first 13 outings of the year, Lowder made three appearances out of the bullpen before re-emerging in the rotation after the All-Star break. Last time out, the 24-year-old right-hander lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs on 11 hits in a 10-3 loss to the Rockies on Saturday in Denver. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.

“(Colorado) was just being aggressive and I was probably leaving too many thick pitches for them. Balls were just finding holes,” Lowder said of that outing. “It was very frustrating.”

Lowder has thrown eight scoreless innings across a pair of starts against the Cardinals during his career. He faced St. Louis on June 7, allowing just one hit but walking five across three scoreless innings in a no-decision. The Reds lost 5-3.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #Cardinals #RHP #Dustin

Jul 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dustin May (3) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

With both sides attempting to gain ground in the National League wild-card race, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game series on Friday night.

The Cardinals have dropped five of seven games since the All-Star break and sit 1 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final NL wild-card spot. St. Louis also is a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are currently the first NL team out of the playoff picture.

Trying to stay afloat in the playoff chase, the Reds enter their third consecutive road set riding a pair of series victories. Cincinnati, which is six games behind the Diamondbacks, took two of three from both the Colorado Rockies and the Seattle Mariners.

Since St. Louis’ Dustin May hurled a one-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres on June 15, little has gone right for the right-hander. In five starts since the gem, May (5-7, 4.78 ERA) is 0-1 with a 9.92 ERA.

May threw five innings for the first time in more than a month on Saturday, but he surrendered five runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking four in a 5-3 loss at Arizona.

Despite May’s rough patch, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has confidence the 28-year-old can find his rhythm again.

“He’s competed well. He went through a stretch there where he gave us some really good outings,” Marmol said. “After the complete game, there have been some ups and downs, but he’s good enough to get out of this.”

Making the 91st appearance (77th start) of his major league career, May will face Cincinnati for the first time.

Among the Reds getting their first look at May will be All-Star first baseman Sal Stewart. The 22-year-old ranks fourth in the majors with 74 RBIs after knocking in nine runs across the club’s first two series since the midseason break.

“I think there are guys that relish those opportunities,” Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said of Stewart’s success with runners on base. “He’s so strong and he’s got great hitter’s hands. The ball just jumps off his bat.”

Despite the RBI surge, Stewart is batting just .130 (3-for-23) since the break.

On the mound, Rhett Lowder (3-7, 5.75 ERA) will be chasing a bounce-back effort for Cincinnati.

After appearing as a starter for his first 13 outings of the year, Lowder made three appearances out of the bullpen before re-emerging in the rotation after the All-Star break. Last time out, the 24-year-old right-hander lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs on 11 hits in a 10-3 loss to the Rockies on Saturday in Denver. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.

“(Colorado) was just being aggressive and I was probably leaving too many thick pitches for them. Balls were just finding holes,” Lowder said of that outing. “It was very frustrating.”

Lowder has thrown eight scoreless innings across a pair of starts against the Cardinals during his career. He faced St. Louis on June 7, allowing just one hit but walking five across three scoreless innings in a no-decision. The Reds lost 5-3.

–Field Level Media

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भोजशाला विवाद: वैकल्पिक नमाज स्थल के स्थान पर मुस्लिम पक्ष की याचिका पर सुप्रीम कोर्ट 29 जुलाई को करेगा सुनवाई

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कम हुआ मानव हस्तक्षेप तो इंदौर के यशवंत सागर में बढ़ने लगा सारस का कुनबा

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season.

Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks.

The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success.

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month.


#Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news">Breakout WNBA guard just got terrible injury news news  


	
	WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images	

Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season. 

Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks. 


OFFICIAL: The Portland Fire announced today that guard Sarah Ashlee Barker underwent an MRI that revealed a torn ACL. Barker will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season and will undergo surgery to repair the injury. pic.twitter.com/ZNsto6JwR7— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) July 24, 2026


The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success. 

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month. 

  #Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news

The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success.

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month.


#Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news">Breakout WNBA guard just got terrible injury news news
Breakout WNBA guard just got terrible injury news news  


	
	WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images	

Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season. 

Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks. 


OFFICIAL: The Portland Fire announced today that guard Sarah Ashlee Barker underwent an MRI that revealed a torn ACL. Barker will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season and will undergo surgery to repair the injury. pic.twitter.com/ZNsto6JwR7— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) July 24, 2026


The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success. 

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month. 

  #Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Sarah Ashlee Barker #3 of the Portland Fire looks on against the Washington Mystics during the second half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sarah Ashlee Barker was amid a career season when she injured her left leg in Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Wings. Two days later, the Fire announced the worst: Barker suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season.

Barker was one of the Fire’s standout players, averaging 10.7 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 40% from three. All of those numbers were career bests and substantial jumps from her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks.

The 24-year-old was drafted 9th overall after a standout year at Alabama, but was left unprotected in the expansion draft when the Fire and Toronto Tempo joined the WNBA. The Fire ultimately selected Barker, who became a critical part of their early success.

She joins a long list of WNBA players who have torn their ACLs in the past year, a list that includes Chicago Sky guard Rickea Jackson and Fire teammate Sania Feagin, who tore her ACL this month.


#Breakout #WNBA #guard #terrible #injury #news #news

If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.

The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.

Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.

Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.

RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s story

There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.

Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”

For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster">Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s next-gen athletes search for glory in star-studded weightlifting roster  If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s storyThere are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told        Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.Published on Jul 25, 2026  #Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster

From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s story

There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.

Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”

For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster">Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s next-gen athletes search for glory in star-studded weightlifting roster

If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.

The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.

Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.

Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.

RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s story

There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.

Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”

For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster

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