Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Mirabai Chanu secures ...

By Rohan Gupta — 26 July 2026 — 3 min read

Chanu’s Dominant Performance in Glasgow

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, a prominent weightlifter, secured India’s inaugural gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Her victory came in the women’s 48kg category, marking a significant achievement on Sunday. Chanu’s performance was characterised by her control throughout the competition, ultimately leading to a dominant win.

The 31-year-old athlete established a new Commonwealth Games record by lifting 85kg in the snatch segment. Following this, she set another Games record in the clean and jerk with a lift of 105kg. Her combined total lift reached 190kg, which was sufficient to claim the gold medal in her category.

This win marks Chanu’s third consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She previously earned gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games. Additionally, Chanu had secured a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which also took place in Glasgow, further solidifying her consistent performance at the event.

Record-Breaking Lifts and Strategic Decisions

Chanu’s path to gold was not without its challenges. She experienced a nervous start, failing her initial snatch attempt at 82kg. However, she quickly regained her composure and successfully completed her subsequent attempts, culminating in the record-breaking 85kg lift. This early setback was overcome with a display of resilience.

Her strong performance in the snatch gave her a substantial eight-kilogram lead heading into the clean and jerk section. In the clean and jerk, she again faced a brief moment of uncertainty, failing her first attempt. Demonstrating her champion’s temperament, she responded by successfully lifting 105kg on her second attempt, effectively securing the gold medal before the competition concluded.

The 105kg lift not only guaranteed her the gold but also surpassed the existing Commonwealth Games record in the clean and jerk category and improved the total lift mark. Her dominance was evident as she finished 22kg ahead of Ruth Asuquo Nyong of Nigeria, who earned the silver medal with a total lift of 168kg.

With the title already secured, Chanu opted not to take her third clean and jerk lift. This decision was made with the upcoming Asian Games in mind, which are scheduled to commence in less than two months. This strategic choice highlights her focus on future competitions and managing her physical exertion.

Chanu’s performance underscored her status as a leading figure in Indian weightlifting, as she continued to rewrite record books with her strength and composure. Her ability to recover from initial difficulties and deliver record-setting lifts showcased her experience and determination on the international stage.

The event in Glasgow saw Chanu’s competition effectively begin after other participants had completed their attempts, illustrating her superior entry weight and expected performance level. Her victory adds another significant achievement to her career, building on her previous successes at the Commonwealth Games and her silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Manipuri lifter’s consistent success at major international events reinforces her position as a formidable competitor in the sport. Her strategic decision to skip the final lift, considering the proximity of the Asian Games, indicates a careful approach to her demanding competition schedule.

Chanu’s gold medal is India’s first at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, setting a high standard for the contingent. Her total lift of 190kg secured the top spot on the podium on Sunday.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com