On Sunday, July 26, 2026, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women's 48kg category at Glasgow, Scotland. This victory marked India's first gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and made Chanu the first Indian weightlifter to achieve a hat-trick of gold medals at the event.
Historic Hat-trick for India
Chanu, aged 31, from Manipur, added a third gold medal to her previous Commonwealth Games triumphs in 2018 and 2022. Her dominant performance in the women's 48kg weightlifting event included a Commonwealth Games record of 85 kg in the snatch. She then successfully lifted 82 kg in the clean and jerk after an initial failed attempt, followed by an 85 kg lift to set a new Games and Commonwealth record. She sealed the gold with a successful 105 kg lift in her final attempt.
Amit Shah's Tribute
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X to congratulate Chanu, calling it a "golden moment of pride for India." In his post, Shah said, "Congratulations to the unstoppable Mirabai Chanu on clinching the gold medal in women's weightlifting at the #2026CommonwealthGames. This iconic feat etches your name in history as India's first weightlifter to achieve a hat-trick of gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. Your triumph has sent a wave of pride and exhilaration across the nation."
Chanu's Performance Details
Chanu began the clean and jerk section with an unsuccessful attempt at 82 kg. She returned for her second attempt and successfully lifted 82 kg, before producing another stunning performance with an 85 kg lift in her third attempt to set a new Games and Commonwealth record. She then attempted 105 kg and successfully lifted it above her head, securing the gold medal and completing her hat-trick.
Rishikanta Singh's Silver
Earlier in the day, compatriot Rishikanta Singh won a silver medal in the men's 60kg weightlifting event, adding to India's medal tally on the opening day of the Commonwealth Games.
National Pride
Chanu's achievement has been widely celebrated across India, with many hailing her as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Her consecutive gold medals across three Commonwealth Games editions underscore her consistency and dominance in the sport.
