When the spirits are high on the sports field, every difficult challenge seems small. India’s star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has done something similar. The box of good news has opened for India in the Commonwealth Games 2026 and this brave daughter of the country has won India’s first gold medal by performing brilliantly in weightlifting. Mirabai participated in the women’s 48 kg weight category in these games being played in Glasgow and with her historic performance, she once again proved why she is called India’s ‘Golden Girl’.
Who is Mirabai Chanu?
If you have even a passing connection to the Indian sports world, you’ve likely heard of Mirabai Chanu, the epitome of simplicity and steely resolve. Hailing from a small village in Manipur, Mirabai’s journey wasn’t easy. From lifting heavy bundles of wood as a child to reaching the Olympic stage, her journey is an example for millions of young people. Through her hard work and determination, Mirabai has brought glory to the country internationally. She already made history by winning a silver medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics, and now her brilliance continues at the Commonwealth Games.
Won the medal for the fourth consecutive time
Mirabai Chanu’s gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is another shining star in her illustrious career. This marks the fourth consecutive Commonwealth Games medal. She has created history by winning three consecutive gold medals at the 2018 (Gold Coast), 2022 (Birmingham), and now 2026 (Glasgow). Previously, she had to settle for a silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Her continued presence at the top for such a long period demonstrates Mirabai’s dedication to the sport.
Demonstrated by lifting 190 kg weight
Mirabai’s victory margin in this competition was so impressive that everyone was stunned. She lifted a total of 190 kilograms in the snatch and clean and jerk rounds. Surprisingly, she proved her supremacy by lifting a full 22 kilograms more than second-place finisher Ruth Nyong’o of Nigeria.
See also: Who is Mirabai Chanu, who created history at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Starting things off right, Mirabai lifted 85 kilograms in the snatch round, setting a new Commonwealth Games record. She then faced a slight challenge in the clean and jerk round, failing to lift 105 kilograms in her first attempt. But a champion is one who doesn’t flinch under pressure. Mirabai displayed her immense strength and mental toughness, lifting the same 105 kilograms with ease in her second attempt, securing her gold medal.
India reached seventh place in the medal table
With Mirabai Chanu’s resounding victory, India has jumped to seventh place in the medal table. This is India’s second medal in this competition. Prior to her, Rishikant Singh had won a silver medal in the men’s 60 kg category with a brilliant performance. Currently, India’s tally includes Mirabai Chanu’s gold, Rishikant Singh’s silver, and Jhandu Kumar’s bronze medal in para-powerlifting. Mirabai’s historic success has sparked celebrations across the country, filling every Indian’s heart with pride.
See also: Mirabai Chanu: Mirabai Chanu won the Olympic medal while carrying bundles of wood.
FAQ
In which weight category did Mirabai Chanu win the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2026?
Mirabai Chanu has won the first gold medal for India in the women’s 48 kg weight category.
How much total weight did Mirabai Chanu lift to win the gold medal in the competition?
Mirabai lifted a total of 190 kg in the snatch and clean and jerk rounds.
What has been Mirabai Chanu’s medal track record in Commonwealth Games history?
This is Mirabai’s fourth consecutive Commonwealth Games medal. She won a silver medal in 2014 (Glasgow), followed by three consecutive gold medals in 2018 (Gold Coast), 2022 (Birmingham), and 2026 (Glasgow).