Mirabai Chanu Shifts Priorities
Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu has announced that she will not give her full effort at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, citing her focus on the Asian Games instead. The Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and reigning Asian Games champion made the statement during a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, emphasizing that her long-term training cycle is aligned with the Asian Games in 2026.
"I will not give my full effort in the Commonwealth Games. My focus is the Asian Games," Chanu said, according to reports. "The Asian Games are my main target this season, and I need to peak at that event. The Commonwealth Games are important, but I cannot afford to compromise my preparation for the bigger championship."
Strategic Decision for Long-Term Peak
Chanu, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a total lift of 205 kg (snatch 88 kg, clean and jerk 117 kg), is now aiming to defend her Asian Games title. She won gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou (held in 2023) and sees the 2026 edition as a crucial step toward her ultimate goal of winning an Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles 2028.
According to her coach, the decision to underload the Commonwealth Games is a calculated move to avoid injury and fatigue. "Mirabai is 31 now, and we have to manage her workload carefully. The Asian Games come later in the year, and the travel and competition load from the Commonwealth Games could affect her recovery. We decided to treat the Commonwealth Games as a training competition rather than a peak event," the coach explained.
Impact on Indian Weightlifting
Chanu's reduced effort may affect India's medal tally at the Commonwealth Games, where she was expected to win gold. However, her focus on the Asian Games aligns with the national federation's priorities. Indian weightlifting has gained momentum following Chanu's Olympic success, and a strong performance in the Asian Games could boost the sport's profile further.
Former weightlifting champion Karnam Malleswari praised Chanu's decision. "Mirabai knows her body best. The Asian Games is the right priority. She has already proven herself at the Commonwealth Games. Now she should aim for the gold in the Asian Games and then the Olympics," Malleswari said.
Training and Preparation
Chanu is currently training at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, focusing on improving her snatch technique and overall stability. She is working with a new physiotherapist to address minor niggles. Her coach indicated that she will participate in the Commonwealth Games but will not attempt to break any records. "She will compete, but we have set conservative targets. The goal is to come out healthy and gain competition experience before the Asian Games," he added.
Chanu's announcement comes ahead of the Commonwealth Games selection trials, where other lifters like Saikhom Mirabai (no relation) and Jeremy Lalrinnunga are expected to lead the team. The federation has supported Chanu's tailored approach, recognizing that individual athletes have unique career paths.
Looking Ahead
With the Asian Games scheduled for September 2026, Chanu has a clear roadmap. She plans to compete in a few World Cups and training camps before peaking for the event. The Commonwealth Games will be held in July 2026 in Victoria, Canada, but Chanu's absence from full contention leaves a void in the Indian contingent. Still, her long-term vision remains unshaken. "I want to win the gold medal in Los Angeles 2028. That is my ultimate dream. Every step, including the Asian Games, is part of that journey," she said.
Chanu's decision reflects a growing trend among elite athletes to prioritize major multi-sport events like the Asian Games and Olympics over the Commonwealth Games, which have seen declining prestige in some sports. However, for India, the Commonwealth Games remain a key platform for medal success. The balancing act between personal ambition and national expectation is one that Chanu navigates carefully.
As she prepares for the trials, the nation watches to see how this strategy plays out. Her coach remains confident: "Mirabai is a champion. She knows what it takes to win. Trust her process."
