CWG 2026: Indian weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu delivered a masterclass performance on Sunday, July 26, securing India’s first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
Competing in the women’s 48kg category, the 31-year-old superstar lifted a combined weight of 190kg (85kg in snatch and 105kg in clean and jerk) to stand on top of the podium once again.
According to media reports, this triumph marks her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal (following titles in Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022) and her fourth overall CWG medal.
Additionally, news reports highlight that in the 96-year history of the Commonwealth Games, she has become the first female weightlifter to achieve a golden hat-trick.
How the Action Unfolded in Glasgow
CWG 2026: Mirabai entered the competition as the clear favorite, approaching the platform after the rest of the field had finished their preliminary attempts.
The Snatch Round
The Indian champion faced an early hurdle when her opening snatch attempt was not clean. Undeterred, she consulted her coaches backstage, regrouped, and returned for a second effort.
She successfully cleared 82kg, setting a new Games record. On her final attempt, she raised the weight to 85kg and executed it cleanly, setting new Games and Commonwealth records in the snatch category.
According to media sources, she broke her previous Commonwealth mark of 84kg, which she had established last year in Ahmedabad.
The Clean & Jerk Round
With Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong holding the second position after lifting 93kg, Mirabai set her entry target at 105kg. Mirroring the snatch round, her initial attempt at 105kg was disallowed by the judges.
Displaying immense resilience and composure, she returned for her second attempt, let out a loud roar, and locked the bar above her head to seal the gold medal. Having already locked in the victory and shattered records, she opted to skip her third clean and jerk lift.
Nigeria’s Ruth Nyong won the silver medal with a total lift of 168kg, while Malaysia’s Irene Jane Henry claimed the bronze.
Tears on the Podium and Immense Sacrifices
CWG 2026: Emotional scenes were witnessed during the medal presentation ceremony as tears rolled down Mirabai’s cheeks while the Indian national anthem echoed through the arena.
Sporting tricolor ribbons in her hair, she dedicated her victory to her family and coach Vijay Sharma.
According to media reports, Mirabai revealed the extreme physical hardships she underwent to compete in the 48kg category.
She shared that she had to go without food and water for nearly three days leading up to the weigh-in to reach the target weight limit.
She noted that her natural weight sits around 50.5kg, making the weight cut down to 48kg particularly punishing.
Mirabai, who is a Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee, Olympic silver medalist, and currently serves as an DSP in Manipur Police, also candidly expressed a personal emotion reflecting on how receiving an Arjuna Award remains a childhood dream she hopes to fulfill one day.
Next Mission: The Asian Games
Despite her dominant run in Glasgow, Mirabai reiterated that her main objective for the year is the upcoming Asian Games scheduled in two months.
According to media reports, Mirabai had indicated prior to her event that her training strategy was strictly tailored for the Asian Games. “I will not give my full effort in the Commonwealth Games.
My focus is the Asian Games, which are very near. I am training according to that. So my performance and effort here will depend on that plan,” she had stated before taking the stage in Glasgow.
Leaders Congratulate the Champion
Following her record-breaking achievement, national leaders praised her stellar performance:
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Mirabai Chanu, stating that she showcased exceptional grit, determination, and sportsmanship.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan commended her resilience, dedication, and consistent athletic excellence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded her feat as another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting, calling her an inspiration to the entire nation.
India’s Weightlifting & Boxing Performance in Glasgow
India’s total medal tally reached four medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze) on the back of strong performances across disciplines:
Rishikanta Singh Chanambam: The Manipur lifter bagged a Silver medal in the men’s 60kg event with a total lift of 264kg (121kg snatch and 143kg clean & jerk). His 121kg snatch equaled the Commonwealth Games record.
Raja Muthupandi: The lifter from Tamil Nadu secured a Silver medal in the men’s 65kg category with a total lift of 286kg (126kg snatch and 160kg clean & jerk). Malaysia’s Muhamad Aznil Bin Bidin grabbed gold with a 299kg Games record total.
Jhandu Kumar: Opened India’s medal tally on Day 1 by claiming a Bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight para-powerlifting event.
Boxing Progress: In the ring, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam advanced to the men’s 55kg quarter-finals with a 5-0 victory over Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman.
Preeti Pawar also marched into the women’s 54kg quarter-finals after her referee-stopped-contest (RSC) victory over Malawi’s Deborah Mtenje.