Weightlifter Raja Muthupandian Accorded Hero's Welcome at Thoothukudi Airport

Commonwealth Games silver medallist weightlifter Raja Muthupandian received a warm welcome at Thoothukudi airport on Wednesday as he returned to his home district following his silver medal win representing India in the 65 kg category at Glasgow, Scotland.

Muthupandian, a native of Sankaralingapuram near Kovilpatti, arrived in Thoothukudi after flying in from Chennai. Prior to his arrival, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, where he received personal appreciation for his performance. At the airport, his father Muthupandian, officials from the Thoothukudi district weightlifting association, coaches, and fellow weightlifters gathered to welcome him with garlands, shawls, and sweets. Both Prime Minister Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay congratulated the athlete on his achievement.

In an address to reporters following his reception, Muthupandian dedicated his medal to his parents, citing their sacrifices and hardships as the foundation of his success. He acknowledged the crucial support provided by his coaches, the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, the Tamil Nadu Weightlifting Association, and the Thoothukudi district association. He noted that Chief Minister Joseph Vijay felicitated him and provided an incentive, while the Prime Minister hosted the Commonwealth medallists and advised them to guide and produce more talented weightlifters.

Having trained in weightlifting since the age of 13, Muthupandian encouraged youth to actively participate in sports to stay away from substance abuse. He urged parents to encourage their children to take up sports and highlighted that establishing an international-standard weightlifting training facility at Sankaralingapuram would aid in nurturing future athletic talent from the region. Looking to the future, the weightlifter stated that his Commonwealth silver medal was just the beginning, declaring his goal to secure medals for India at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan and the Olympic Games in the United States.