Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu added another historic achievement to her career by winning her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women's 48kg weightlifting category at Glasgow 2026. She successfully lifted 105 kg in the clean and jerk, securing India's first gold medal of the Games.
Chanu's Path to Gold
Chanu, who previously won gold at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, began her campaign with a Commonwealth record snatch of 85 kg. In the clean and jerk section, she missed her first attempt at 82 kg but recovered to lift 82 kg on her second attempt. On her third attempt, she set a new Games and Commonwealth record with an 85 kg lift. She then attempted and successfully lifted 105 kg, sealing the gold and completing a hat-trick of Commonwealth Games gold medals.
With this victory, Chanu added another gold to her tally from 2018 and 2022, reinforcing her status as one of India's most accomplished weightlifters. Her performance also gave India its first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Games.
Rishikanta Singh's Near Miss
Earlier in the day, Indian weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh competed in the men's 61kg category, finishing with a combined total of 264 kg (121 kg snatch + 143 kg clean and jerk). According to ESPN, Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan claimed the gold with a Commonwealth Games record total of 273 kg (121 kg snatch + 152 kg clean and jerk), while Kenya's Joshua Mboya took bronze with 260 kg (115 kg + 145 kg).
Rishikanta made a strong start in the snatch, clearing 116 kg before improving to 119 kg. On his final attempt, he lifted 121 kg to break the Commonwealth Games snatch record and set a new personal best. However, Kasdan matched the 121 kg effort moments later, leaving the two lifters tied after the snatch.
In the clean and jerk, Rishikanta successfully opened with 143 kg to momentarily take the overall lead with a total of 264 kg. Kasdan responded with lifts of 145 kg and 149 kg to move ahead at 270 kg. Needing 151 kg on his final attempt, Rishikanta completed the clean but failed to lock out the jerk, ending his gold challenge. Kasdan then lifted 152 kg on his final attempt to set a Games record total of 273 kg.
India's Medal Tally Boost
Chanu's gold added to India's medal count at Glasgow 2026, marking the nation's first top spot on the podium. Her consistent dominance in the Commonwealth Games underscores her legacy as a champion weightlifter, having now won gold in three consecutive editions.
