India's weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu captured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Glasgow, delivering an emotional performance that saw her break records and overcome years of struggle. The 31-year-old Tokyo Olympic silver medallist dominated the women's 48kg category to secure India's first gold of the 2026 Games.
Speaking to ANI after the event, Chanu described her emotions as overwhelming. "I am extremely happy and also very emotional. I made so many sacrifices and overcame stress and injuries to reach the Games and win a medal. I didn't know I would set a Commonwealth record. I was only focused on completing the lift assigned by my coach," she said.
Record-Breaking Performance
Chanu started strongly with a Commonwealth record lift of 85kg in the snatch, immediately taking control of the competition. The clean and jerk saw a minor stumble on her opening attempt at 82kg, but she quickly recovered, clearing the weight on her second attempt and then lifting 85kg on her third to set a new Games record.
She capped her campaign with a successful 105kg lift, sealing the gold in emphatic fashion. Her hat-trick of golds—following triumphs at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022—places her among a select group of Indian athletes to achieve such consistency at the Commonwealth Games.
Overcoming Adversity
Chanu's journey to the podium was marked by significant challenges. In the lead-up to Glasgow, she battled injuries and mental stress that threatened her participation. The athlete credited her coaching team for guiding her through the difficult phases, emphasizing that her sole focus was on executing each lift as instructed.
The victory also held personal significance. Chanu, who won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and gold at the 2017 World Championships, has long been a flagbearer for Indian weightlifting. Her latest achievement reinforces her legacy as one of the country's most decorated sportswomen.
India's Strong Weightlifting Start
Chanu's gold was part of a productive day for India in weightlifting. Chanambam Rishikanta Singh claimed silver in the men's 60kg event, while Raja Muthupandi added another silver in the men's 65kg category. The medals gave India a flying start at the Glasgow Games, with the national anthem played for the first time after Chanu's victory.
With more events to come, India's weightlifting team has set a high benchmark. Chanu's emotional triumph not only brought glory but also inspired her teammates, proving that resilience and dedication can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
