GLASGOW: India’s weightlifting queen, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, has once again etched her name in the history books. Delivering a masterclass in power and composure, the 31-year-old superstar secured India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday, July 26.
Dominating the women’s 48kg category, Chanu completed a sensational hat-trick of Commonwealth Games titles, successfully defending the gold medals she previously won at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Mirabai Chanu Delivers A Record-Breaking Performance
Competing at the SEC Armadillo, Mirabai was in a league of her own, ultimately finishing with a massive combined total of 190kg.
Her campaign, however, began with a rare moment of vulnerability. Chanu lost her balance during the squat and failed her opening snatch attempt at 82kg. Unfazed, she returned to the stage with her signature smile and unwavering focus, easily clearing 82kg on her second attempt. For her third lift, she raised the bar to 85kg, executing a flawless snatch to shatter her own Commonwealth Games record.
In the clean and jerk section, the pressure mounted as Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong pushed the competition to the brink. Chanu responded like a true champion. After a minor wobble on her first attempt, she delivered a war cry that brought the Indian fans to their feet, flawlessly lifting an incredible 105kg. This spectacular lift not only secured the gold but also set a new Games record for the clean and jerk, finishing a staggering 22kg ahead of her Nigerian rival.
A Legacy of Excellence and Tears of Joy
When the final lift was approved, Chanu broke down in tears on the podium. The emotional moment reflected years of grueling injuries, physical setbacks, and unimaginable sacrifices. Hailing from Nongpok Kakching in Manipur, her journey from a young girl carrying heavy bundles of firewood in her village to a global sporting icon remains one of India’s most inspiring athletic success stories.
This victory in Glasgow is deeply poetic. It marks her fourth overall Commonwealth Games medal, returning to the very same city where she won her first-ever CWG silver medal back in 2014.
Nation Celebrates as Asian Games Await
Following her historic win, congratulations poured in from across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her remarkable consistency, posting on X: “With back-to-back Commonwealth Games Golds and an overall fourth CWG medal to her name, she remains an inspiration for every Indian”.
Chanu herself took to social media to express her gratitude, stating she was “truly humbled” to win her third consecutive gold, calling her fourth CWG appearance “even more special”.
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Despite the monumental achievement, the Olympic silver medalist made it clear that she is already looking ahead. Having skipped her final clean and jerk attempt to preserve her body, Chanu confirmed that her ultimate focus remains firmly on securing a medal at the upcoming Asian Games scheduled for September. If her dominant display in Glasgow is any indication, India’s golden girl is more than ready for her next monumental challenge.