Mirabai Chanu did what she always does when the lights are brightest: she delivered. On a Sunday afternoon in Glasgow, the 30-year-old Olympic silver medallist lifted her way into Commonwealth Games immortality by winning a third consecutive gold medal in the women’s 48kg category. The achievement places her among the all-time greats of Indian sport.
How Chanu Turned Pressure Into a Record-Breaking Performance
Chanu entered the competition as the overwhelming favourite, but the weight of expectations did not make the task any easier. She had a shaky start — her opening snatch attempt at 80kg was deemed invalid by the judges. But the champion responded the only way she knows how. She cleared 82kg on her second attempt and then, on her final lift, hoisted 85kg to set a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch.
In the clean and jerk, Chanu lifted 105kg to finish with a total of 190kg, comfortably ahead of silver medallist Marie-Josée Côté of Canada (178kg) and bronze winner Jesslyn Lee of Malaysia (175kg).
Why This Hat-Trick Means More Than Just Gold
Three consecutive Commonwealth Games golds — 2018 in Gold Coast, 2022 in Birmingham, and now 2026 in Glasgow — is a feat no Indian weightlifter has ever achieved. For Chanu, each medal represents a different chapter in a career that has seen its share of highs and heartbreaking lows. The 2026 triumph is perhaps the most significant because it comes after she recovered from a back injury that kept her out of competition for several months in 2024.
“Every gold is special, but this one feels different because I had to work harder than ever to get here,” Chanu told reporters after the event.
The Road to Glasgow: A Champion’s Comeback
Chanu’s journey to the 2026 Games was not straightforward. After winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she struggled with a persistent back injury that forced her to skip major events in 2023 and early 2024. Many doubted whether she could regain peak form. But under the guidance of coach Vijay Sharma, she rebuilt her technique and strength methodically.
Her performance in Glasgow — particularly the record snatch of 85kg — signals that she is once again at the top of her game. That lift is just 2kg shy of her personal best and equals the mark that won her the Olympic silver.
What This Means for India’s Weightlifting Future
Chanu’s sustained excellence has inspired a generation of young lifters across India. The North East region, especially Manipur, has become a talent nursery for the sport. With Chanu leading the way, India has seen a sharp rise in girls taking up weightlifting at the grassroots level. Sports administrators now point to her as the blueprint for consistency and mental toughness.
Official Reactions Pour In
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports were quick to laud Chanu. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur posted on social media: “Mirabai Chanu — a true champion. Three CWG golds in a row. India is proud.” Weightlifting Federation of India president Rajesh Bhandari called her “the greatest Indian lifter of all time.”
What Makes Chanu’s Moat So Strong?
Chanu’s competitive edge rests on a rare combination: explosive power in the snatch, exceptional technique in the clean and jerk, and an unshakeable mental game. Unlike many lifters who peak early, Chanu has managed to extend her prime by adapting her training to prevent injuries. Her ability to perform under pressure — as seen in her recovery from the initial failed lift in Glasgow — is her hallmark.
Risks and the Road Ahead
While the gold is a cause for celebration, the weightlifting world is becoming increasingly competitive. New faces from China, Indonesia, and the Philippines have emerged in the 48kg/49kg category. Chanu’s age (she will be 32 by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics) could be a factor. Additionally, the International Weightlifting Federation’s changing weight categories may force her to move up to 55kg. Balancing longevity with peak performance will be her next challenge.
A Broader Trend: Indian Women Dominating Global Sport
Chanu’s hat-trick is part of a larger story of Indian women athletes asserting dominance on the world stage — from Neeraj Chopra’s javelin to PV Sindhu’s badminton and Lovlina Borgohain’s boxing. The government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and better coaching infrastructure are producing results. Chanu remains the brightest symbol of that shift.
What Fans and Young Athletes Can Learn
For aspiring weightlifters, Chanu’s career offers a masterclass in resilience. Her advice is simple: “Trust your training, ignore the noise, and never stop believing in yourself.” For coaches, the key takeaway is the importance of periodised training and injury management. For sports fans, this gold is a reminder to celebrate and support athletes through both victories and setbacks.
What’s Next for Mirabai Chanu?
Immediately, Chanu will take a short break in Glasgow before returning to India. Her long-term target is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she hopes to upgrade her silver to gold. She is also likely to compete at the World Weightlifting Championships in 2027 to stay competitive. If she can maintain her current form, another Olympic podium cannot be ruled out.
Our Take
Mirabai Chanu’s third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold is not just a statistical milestone — it is a testament to discipline, courage, and the ability to rise after failure. In an era where attention spans are short, Chanu’s 12-year journey from a remote village in Manipur to a three-time CWG champion deserves to be studied, celebrated, and remembered. She is not just a weightlifter; she is a definition of excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight did Mirabai Chanu lift to win gold at CWG 2026?
She lifted a total of 190kg — 85kg in the snatch (a new Games record) and 105kg in the clean and jerk.
How many Commonwealth Games gold medals has Mirabai Chanu won?
She has now won three consecutive gold medals: 2018 in Gold Coast, 2022 in Birmingham, and 2026 in Glasgow.
Did Mirabai Chanu break a record at CWG 2026?
Yes, she set a new Commonwealth Games record in the women’s 48kg snatch with a lift of 85kg.
What is Mirabai Chanu’s next major competition?
Her target is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She is also expected to compete in the 2027 World Weightlifting Championships.
