Guwahati: Olympic medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu gave India a dream start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by clinching the country’s first gold medal with a commanding performance in the women’s 48 kg weightlifting event.
The 31-year-old weightlifting star from Manipur lived up to her billing as the overwhelming favourite, finishing with a total lift of 190 kg to secure her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Her victory came on the same day fellow Manipuri lifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh won silver in the men’s 60 kg category, taking India’s medal tally to three at the Games.
Weightlifting has once again emerged as one of India’s strongest disciplines at the Commonwealth Games, with two medals already secured. India also has another opportunity to add to its tally later in the competition when M Raja competes in the men’s 65 kg category.
With the latest triumph, Mirabai has now won four Commonwealth Games medals, having previously claimed gold at the Glasgow and Birmingham editions.
In the snatch event, Mirabai began with an unsuccessful attempt at 82 kg but bounced back strongly on her second attempt before successfully lifting 85 kg on her third, setting a new Commonwealth Games record.
The clean and jerk competition also tested her resilience. She was unable to lift 105 kg in her opening attempt but completed the lift on her second try, which was enough to seal the gold medal. Having secured a comfortable lead, Mirabai chose not to attempt her third and final lift.
Ruth Asuquo Nyong of Nigeria won the silver medal, while Irene Jane Henry of Malaysia claimed bronze in the women’s 48 kg event.
Mirabai’s latest success further strengthens her status as one of India’s most decorated weightlifters and continues her remarkable dominance at the Commonwealth Games.