Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu created history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow by winning India’s first gold medal of the Games. On July 26, the Olympic medallist set a new record in her home country, winning a gold medal in the women's 48kg to give her a third gold in consecutive Commonwealth Games.
Chanu finished with a total lift of 190kg in the competition, an 85kg snatch and a 105kg clean and jerk. Her win not only brought her the gold medal, but also Commonwealth Games records in the snatch, clean and jerk and total lift as well.
Mirabai Chanu Opens India’s Gold Account at CWG 2026
The Indian athletes were playing with a lot of expectations when they started for the Commonwealth Games 2026, and Mirabai Chanu did not disappoint. In the 48kg weightlifting final, the Manipuri athlete had an impressive performance, securing the top position on the podium.
Her win was more than important as it was India's first Gold in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Chanu finished 22kg ahead of the silver medal winner, Ruth Asuquo Nyong of Nigeria, with a total of 168kg.
It also brought another big success to Chanu's already rich Commonwealth Games portfolio.
Record-Breaking 190kg Performance
Chanu's performance was divided into 2 big lifts. She snatched 85kg and clean and jerked 105kg to reach a total of 190kg.
The 85kg snatch was sufficient to set a new Commonwealth Games record. It was then followed by another record effort in clean and jerk by Chanu with her 105kg lift.
Overall, her 190kg mark was also a new Games record, showing just how dominant she was in 48kg.
This was particularly impressive under the pressure of competing on a big international stage. Chanu's first attempt was unsuccessful at 82 kg, but she rallied and made the record-breaking lift at 85kg. She also failed her first clean and jerk attempt and successfully lifted 105kg on her second attempt.
Third Consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold
Mirabai Chanu's gold in Glasgow is the third in a row at the Commonwealth Games. She has also won gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Her latest victory makes her the first woman to win three Commonwealth Games gold medals in weightlifting, according to the International Weightlifting Federation.
It's her fourth Commonwealth Games medal of all time. Her consistency across three editions is an amazing testament to her longevity and staying power in the sport of lifting, despite the rigours of the sport.
The success has made Chanu one of the few Indian sports persons to secure three successive Gold Medals at the Commonwealth Games.
A Victory Built on Determination and Sacrifice
The historic medal is over a challenging time in Chanu's career. In recent years, the Glasgow gold has been especially significant for the weightlifter, after he had suffered injuries and great tribulations.
Chanu's winning speech was full of emotion as she talked about the sacrifices she made to win the medal. She attributed her success to her family and support team who kept her going when it was tough.
She was highly emotional after the event and showed the significance of the success. Chanu's preparation for the 48kg event also came with several more demands for weight loss, as per the report.
Rather than simply being another medal in her collection, the Glasgow gold represented her ability to overcome setbacks and continue performing at the highest level.
India’s Strong Start in Weightlifting
Mirabai Chanu's victory in the gold was a stellar day for Indian weightlifting in the Commonwealth Games 2026. Rishikanta Chanambam (60kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) won silver medals for India.
Rishikanta's silver medal was especially remarkable as he was the first man from Manipur to grab a Commonwealth Games medal, and another feather in the cap for the state's sporting fraternity.
The opening weightlifting events brought a big boost to India's bid for medals in Glasgow as three of the Indian weightlifters got to the pódium.
PM Modi Congratulates Mirabai Chanu
In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mirabai Chanu on his historic performance. The Prime Minister congratulated her for winning gold in the 48kg division and her accomplishments in the Commonwealth Games.
The award is given to Chanu for her significance in Indian sports and her being one of the most successful weightlifters in the country.
What Makes Mirabai Chanu’s Achievement Special?
Mirabai Chanu's victory at the Commonwealth Games 2026 is significant for several reasons:
- The first gold for India at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Chanu is set to pick up his third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold.
- Her fourth career Commonwealth Games medal.
- 85kg snatch – new Games record.
- The other Games record was in the clean and jerk with 105kg.
- A total of 190kg – a new Commonwealth Games record.
- A record three gold medals in women's weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games.
A Golden Moment for Indian Sport
Mirabai Chanu has once again shown why she is one of the top Indian weightlifters. She achieved her record-breaking 190kg total, which helped India clinch its maiden gold at the Commonwealth Games 2026 and thus continued her phenomenal winning streak at the Commonwealth Games.
Chanu has gone on to create an astounding legacy, from her first Commonwealth Games gold at 2018 to her most recent victory at Glasgow. This is her third successive victory and an achievement for Indian weightlifting in particular.
Chanu has given India a flying start in the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026, which will run until October 2. Most significantly, her career achievement is a reminder that excellence demands talent, hard work, perseverance and years of preparation.
Mirabai Chanu's gold medal in Glasgow will be one of India's highlights of the Commonwealth Games 2026.
FAQs
1. Who won India’s first gold medal at Commonwealth Games 2026?
Mirabai Chanu won India’s first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in the women’s 48kg weightlifting category.
2. How much did Mirabai Chanu lift at the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Mirabai Chanu lifted a total of 190kg, including 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk.
3. What record did Mirabai Chanu break at CWG 2026?
Mirabai Chanu set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total, with an 85kg snatch, 105kg clean and jerk, and 190kg total.
4. How many Commonwealth Games gold medals has Mirabai Chanu won?
Mirabai Chanu has won three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals, in 2018, 2022, and 2026.
5. In which category did Mirabai Chanu win gold at CWG 2026?
Mirabai Chanu won gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting category at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
6. What was Mirabai Chanu’s total lift at CWG 2026?
Mirabai Chanu recorded a 190kg total lift at the Commonwealth Games 2026, comprising 85kg in snatch and 105kg in clean and jerk.
7. Why is Mirabai Chanu’s CWG 2026 gold significant for India?
Her victory gave India its first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 and extended her record of winning gold at three consecutive editions of the Games.
