Mirabai Chanu's Snatch Enhancement Ignites Asian Games Medal Hopes
In the demanding world of elite weightlifting, where progress often inches forward at a glacial pace, India's premier weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has achieved a significant breakthrough. At the recent Weightlifting Nationals, Chanu lifted 89kg in the snatch within the women's 48kg category, marking a one-kilogram improvement from her previous best. This performance allowed her to equal her personal best total lift of 205kg, a feat that has injected fresh optimism into her campaign for the upcoming 2026 season.
Record-Breaking Performance and Technical Refinements
Chanu's achievement is particularly noteworthy as it came in the 48kg category, a shift from her earlier competitions in 49kg. "I am delighted. This performance has boosted my confidence. Earlier I was competing in 49kg, so to be able to achieve this result in 48kg is great," Chanu expressed to The Indian Express. She added, "I hope in the next competition I cross 90kg. Today I also tried, but since I haven't had proper training, I wasn't able to do it."
Her previous snatch best of 88kg was set in 2020 in the 49kg category. At this event, Chanu established three national records in the 48kg category:
- 89kg in snatch
- 116kg in clean and jerk
- 205kg overall
This matched her 49kg category best from the 2021 Asian Championships. The improvement stems from technical tweaks implemented after the Paris Olympics. Coach Vijay Sharma explained, "There was a slight technical tweak for her in the snatch. Now, she is lifting the barbell with more speed and holding it closer to her body. The technique has inspired confidence, and now we are thinking of going beyond the 90kg mark."
Confidence Boost and Strategic Adjustments
The nationals served as a crucial confidence builder for Chanu. "The move to attempt my personal bests was to boost my confidence and also to assess whether the technique and training are working or not," she noted. With the refined technique, her practice sessions have become smoother, enabling her to start snatch lifts at 86kg instead of the previous 83-84kg. "With this technique and more practice, I am confident that her second lift in the upcoming competitions will be above 90kg," Coach Vijay elaborated.
However, the 2026 season presents unique challenges. Chanu will compete in the 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, followed by the 49kg category at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya just fifty days later. Coach Vijay acknowledged the difficulty, stating, "If I have to be honest, it is going to be tough for her. She is not getting any younger. It is going to be difficult, but we will manage it." He highlighted that while competitors focus solely on the Asian Games, Chanu must train for lower weight first, then adjust upward.
Focus on Asian Games and Future Transitions
Currently, Chanu's primary objective is securing an Asian Games medal, the only accolade missing from her illustrious career. "My only focus is on the Asian Games. The Olympics are far away, and we will look at that afterward, but right now the whole focus is on securing an Asian Games medal," she affirmed.
Looking ahead, the 2028 LA Olympics will require another adaptation, as the International Weightlifting Federation has eliminated the 48kg and 49kg categories from the Olympic program. Chanu will transition to the 53kg category post-Asian Games. "We will start preparing for the 53kg category from the day after the Asian Games. I have said this before—Chanu will do well in the 53kg category. We will start by developing more muscle mass, which will help her lift the weights required for the 53kg category," Vijay detailed.
This early-season success, though modest in numerical terms, paints a promising picture for Chanu's medal aspirations. As she navigates a packed 2026 schedule, this incremental gain could be the catalyst that propels her to complete her trophy cabinet with that coveted Asian Games medal.
