Olympic medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu delivered a spectacular performance to win India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, securing the top position in the women’s 48 kg weightlifting event.
The 31-year-old weightlifter from Manipur lived up to expectations as the pre-event favourite, finishing with a total lift of 190 kg to claim her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Her latest triumph adds another remarkable achievement to her illustrious career and strengthens her position as one of India’s most successful weightlifters.
Mirabai’s victory came alongside another strong performance by fellow Manipuri lifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, who won a silver medal in the men’s 60 kg category, taking India’s medal tally at the Games to three.
In the snatch event, Mirabai faced an early setback after an unsuccessful attempt at 82 kg but recovered confidently, lifting 85 kg on her third attempt and setting a new Commonwealth Games record. In the clean and jerk round, she overcame another challenge by successfully completing a 105 kg lift on her second attempt, which secured her gold medal.
Ruth Asuquo Nyong of Nigeria won the silver medal, while Malaysia’s Irene Jane Henry finished with bronze in the women’s 48 kg category.
With this achievement, Mirabai Chanu has now won four Commonwealth Games medals, including gold medals from the Glasgow, Birmingham, and 2026 editions. Her continued dominance has once again highlighted India’s strength in weightlifting on the international stage.
