Raja Muthupandi is an Indian Olympic weightlifter who has emerged as one of the country’s leading lifters in the men’s lightweight categories. After overcoming a serious elbow injury that threatened his career, he returned to international competition and won a silver medal in the men’s 65kg event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking the biggest achievement of his career so far.
Raja Muthupandi Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raja Muthupandi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Sport | Olympic Weightlifting |
| Age | 26 years (as of 2026) |
| Weight Category | Men’s 65kg (previously 61kg/62kg competitions) |
| Major Achievement | Commonwealth Games 2026 Silver Medallist |
| Best Known For | National record holder and international weightlifting medalist |
His exact date of birth has not been widely published by official sporting authorities.
Early Life and Weightlifting Journey
Raja Muthupandi developed into one of India’s most promising weightlifters through the national competition circuit. His rise included impressive performances at domestic championships and Commonwealth-level events.
His career faced a major setback in 2019 when he suffered a severe right elbow ligament injury. Rehabilitation became even more difficult due to disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, he gradually returned to elite competition and rebuilt his form over the following years.
Career Highlights
Some of Raja Muthupandi’s notable achievements include:
- Commonwealth Games 2026 silver medal
- Indian national record holder in Olympic weightlifting
- Medal winner at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships
- Multiple national championship medals
- Member of India’s Commonwealth Games weightlifting squad
Commonwealth Games 2026 Silver Medal
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow marked the biggest international success of Raja Muthupandi’s career.
Competing in the men’s 65kg weightlifting event, he lifted:
- Snatch: 126 kg
- Clean & Jerk: 160 kg
- Total: 286 kg
These lifts earned him the silver medal behind Malaysia’s Aznil Bidin, who won gold with a Commonwealth Games record total of 299 kg. Raja’s performance contributed to India’s strong day in weightlifting, alongside Mirabai Chanu’s historic gold and Rishikanta Singh’s silver.
Raja Muthupandi Medals
| Competition | Medal |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Games 2026 (Men’s 65kg) | 🥈 Silver |
| Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships | Medal winner |
| Indian National Championships | Multiple medals |
National Records
Raja Muthupandi has also established himself among India’s top lifters through national records.
According to the Indian weightlifting records:
- Clean & Jerk: 165 kg
- Total: 289 kg
These performances made him one of India’s strongest lifters in his category.
Career Comeback
One of the defining aspects of Raja Muthupandi’s career has been his resilience.
Following his elbow ligament injury in 2019, he spent several years recovering and working back to international standards. During this period, weight-category changes and increased competition within the Indian team added further challenges. His silver medal at Glasgow 2026 is widely viewed as the culmination of that comeback.
Why Raja Muthupandi Is Important for Indian Weightlifting
Raja represents the next generation of Indian weightlifters following stars such as Mirabai Chanu and Jeremy Lalrinnunga. His consistency in national competitions, record-setting performances, and Commonwealth Games medal demonstrate India’s continued strength in Olympic weightlifting.
At just 26 years of age, he is expected to remain a key member of India’s international weightlifting squad over the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Raja Muthupandi?
Raja Muthupandi is an Indian Olympic weightlifter and Commonwealth Games silver medallist who competes in the men’s lightweight categories.
How old is Raja Muthupandi?
He is 26 years old as of 2026.
Which medal did Raja Muthupandi win at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
He won the silver medal in the men’s 65kg weightlifting event.
What was Raja Muthupandi’s total lift in Glasgow?
He lifted a combined total of 286 kg (126 kg snatch + 160 kg clean & jerk).
Does Raja Muthupandi hold an Indian national record?
Yes. He has held Indian national records in the clean & jerk and total in his weight category.
What injury did Raja Muthupandi overcome?
He recovered from a severe right elbow ligament injury suffered in 2019 before returning to international competition.