Glasgow: Mirabai Chanu secures third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold

By Sanjay Menon — 26 July 2026 — 3 min read

Mirabai Chanu has once again demonstrated her dominance in weightlifting, securing her third consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. The Tokyo Olympics silver medallist delivered a strong performance in the women’s 49kg snatch event, setting new records in the process.

Chanu’s victory marks a significant achievement, adding to her gold medals from the 2018 and 2022 editions of the Commonwealth Games. She had previously earned a silver medal at the 2014 Games.

Dominant Performance in Snatch Event

In the snatch event, Chanu began her attempts at 82kg, a weight that she only approached after all other competitors had finished their three attempts. Despite a momentary setback when she failed her initial lift due to a loss of balance, she quickly recovered.

Chanu successfully lifted 82kg on her subsequent attempt, establishing a new Commonwealth record. She then increased the weight to 85kg for her final attempt, executing the lift with apparent ease. This final lift further broke her own Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records.

Her performance in the snatch event placed her significantly ahead of her rivals, who managed lifts of 77kg and 71kg. This clear lead underscored her position as a leading figure in the sport.

Record-Breaking Clean and Jerk and Overall Victory

Beyond her snatch performance, Chanu also set a Games record in the clean and jerk event, lifting 105kg. Her combined total for both lifts reached 190kg, securing her the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category.

The success of Indian weightlifters at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games extended beyond Chanu’s gold. In the men’s 60kg weightlifting event, Rishikanta Singh earned a silver medal. Rishikanta achieved a combined total of 264kg, with a 121kg snatch and a 143kg clean and jerk.

Rishikanta’s 121kg snatch lift set a new Commonwealth Games snatch record, a mark that was later matched by Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan. Rishikanta briefly held the lead after his successful opening lift of 143kg in the clean and jerk.

However, Kasdan responded with lifts of 145kg and 149kg to regain the advantage. Rishikanta attempted to reclaim the lead with a final lift of 151kg, successfully completing the clean but failing to lock out the jerk. Kasdan ultimately secured the gold with a Games record total of 273kg, comprising a 121kg snatch and a 152kg clean and jerk. Kenya’s Joshua Mboya claimed the bronze medal with a total of 260kg.

Widespread Congratulations for Chanu

Following her gold medal win, Mirabai Chanu received numerous congratulations from across India. Fans in Glasgow, Scotland, celebrated her achievement in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chanu, stating that her victory marked “another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting.” He highlighted her stunning performance in the women’s 48kg category and acknowledged her achievement of winning consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals, calling her an inspiration.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his congratulations, commending Chanu’s “unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence” for bringing glory to the nation. He emphasized that her achievement reflects a spirit of perseverance and dedication that inspires many young Indians.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also greeted the weightlifter, praising her consistent medal-winning performances for India at the highest level. He noted that her achievements over the years have made the entire nation proud, reflecting her exceptional dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence. These accolades underscore the significance of Chanu’s continued success in international weightlifting.

Source: m.rediff.com