Mirabai Chanu's mother, Saikhom Tombi, said she was confident her daughter would win gold in the women's 48kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, despite concerns over an injury. Chanu clinched her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, securing India's first gold of the Games.
Family's Joy and Confidence
Speaking to ANI, Chanu's mother revealed that her daughter had called her twice before the competition—first to seek blessings and later to inform her of victory. "I was confident that she would win, and she did. This is the third time I have felt very happy. Today, before she began the competition, she called me seeking my blessings for her success. At 17:00, she called me again to seek my blessings and informed me that she had won her third competition," Tombi said.
Tombi admitted to initial uncertainty due to Chanu's injury. "I was somewhat uncertain whether she would win as she was injured. However, I was very excited as she did win this time. Earlier she had won, and this time it would be the third time. I was very excited," she added.
Chanu's uncle, Vinod Kumar Meetei, also expressed faith in her ability. "First of all, it feels wonderful; I always had faith that she would win the gold medal. It is not just about my belief—everyone who supports India knows that she never gives up. This gold medal belongs to everyone," he told ANI. He added, "I was confident she would definitely win the gold medal. While the ultimate outcome rests in the hands of the Almighty, I remained certain—seeing her strength and determination—that she would secure the gold."
Chanu's Third Consecutive Gold
Chanu won the gold medal after lifting 105 kg in the clean and jerk category of the women's 48 kg final at Glasgow 2026. This added to her previous gold medals at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, completing a hat-trick of titles. She had earlier set a Commonwealth record with an 85 kg lift in the snatch.
In the clean and jerk section, Chanu began with an unsuccessful attempt at 82 kg. She recovered on her second attempt, successfully lifting 82 kg, before producing a stunning 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, sealing the gold medal.
India's First Gold at Glasgow 2026
With this victory, Chanu secured India's first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The achievement underscores her dominance in the 48kg weightlifting category and her resilience despite injury setbacks. The nation celebrated her hat-trick, which cements her legacy as one of India's greatest weightlifters.
