Rishikant secured the silver medal after lifting a combined total of 264 kilograms, finishing behind Malaysia's Aniq Kasdan. Although the medal added another significant achievement to India's weightlifting campaign, it also highlighted the remarkable journey that brought the young lifter to the international stage.

Watching the competition from Barmer in Rajasthan, where he is posted with the Indian Army, Rishikant's elder brother Amarjeet Singh became emotional as each successful lift brought his sibling closer to the podium. For the family, the medal represented much more than sporting success—it was the reward for years of struggle, determination and collective sacrifice.

According to Amarjeet, Rishikant's sporting journey began around 2007–08 when a school teacher informed the family about a sports academy run by the Manipur government. At the time, Rishikant wanted to pursue boxing. However, during the selection trials, coaches recognised his physical potential and advised him to switch to weightlifting, a decision that would eventually transform his career.

The family's financial condition during those years was extremely difficult. Amarjeet recalled that their father struggled with alcohol addiction, leaving their mother to shoulder most household responsibilities. The family, consisting of two brothers and two sisters, decided to fully support Rishikant after he won his first medal in a regional competition in northeast India.

From 2009 to 2012, Rishikant's mother and both sisters reportedly worked as agricultural labourers in other people's fields to earn enough money for his nutrition and training expenses. Although hostel facilities covered basic meals, specialised weightlifting training required additional nutritional support and supplements that the family struggled to afford.

Whenever Rishikant returned home from training, he joined his family in manual labour to contribute to household income. Despite the physical demands of competitive sport, he remained closely connected to the family's daily struggles.

Financial challenges continued as Rishikant progressed through the ranks. When he earned selection for his first junior international competition, the family did not have sufficient funds to finance the trip. Amarjeet said he borrowed money from friends to ensure his younger brother could represent India. Similar financial assistance was arranged several times to support Rishikant's training, diet and travel requirements during the early years of his career.

The family's resilience was tested again earlier this year when Rishikant's father was diagnosed with blood cancer after medical examinations at AIIMS Jodhpur. Despite the emotional and financial burden of ongoing treatment, the family deliberately chose not to seek financial assistance from Rishikant, fearing that it might affect his Commonwealth Games preparation.

Amarjeet explained that Rishikant repeatedly offered to contribute towards medical expenses after securing employment with the Indian Navy. However, the family declined his help, insisting that his focus should remain entirely on training and maintaining the demanding nutritional regimen required for elite weightlifting.

Personal sacrifices extended beyond financial hardship. As the youngest member of the family, Rishikant was unable to attend either of his sisters' weddings because they coincided with important competitions and training commitments. He visited home only after fulfilling his sporting responsibilities.

Although delighted with the silver medal, Amarjeet admitted that the family still wonders whether they could have done more to help Rishikant reach the top step of the podium. He believes that if financial constraints had been fewer during his formative years, perhaps the result might have been different.

The family's own ambitions were also reshaped by circumstances. Amarjeet abandoned his higher education after Class 12 to support the household, while the family's dream of seeing one of the sisters become a doctor also remained unfulfilled due to financial limitations.

Today, however, they take pride in seeing Rishikant graduate, represent India on the international stage and inspire countless young athletes from modest backgrounds. His Commonwealth Games silver medal stands not only as a personal sporting achievement but also as a tribute to the resilience of a family that refused to let poverty stand in the way of a dream.