Mirabai Chanu Creates History with Third Straight Commonwealth Games Gold Medal

July 27, 2026: The Indian weightlifting team entered the Commonwealth Games under intense scrutiny following a series of doping controversies that resulted in India's quota being reduced. Despite the criticism, the team made an impressive start to the competition on Sunday. Rishikant Singh opened India's medal account with a silver, before all eyes turned to Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu.

Chanu once again proved why she is one of India's greatest weightlifters by winning the gold medal in the women's 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. With the victory, the 31-year-old became the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals, having also topped the podium at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. She had earlier won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, making it four successive podium finishes at the event.

Mirabai Chanu Dominates the Competition with Record-Breaking Lifts

Chanu began the snatch event with an ambitious opening attempt of 82kg, the highest starting weight among all competitors in her category. Although she failed in her first attempt, she made no mistake in her second lift, successfully clearing 82kg. She then raised the bar to 85kg in her third attempt and completed the lift to set a new Commonwealth record, putting herself firmly in control of the competition.

She entered the clean and jerk event needing only a successful lift to secure another Commonwealth title. Chanu narrowly missed her first attempt at 105kg but responded brilliantly in her second attempt by lifting the weight successfully. Her combined total of 190kg was enough to comfortably seal the gold medal and establish another Commonwealth Games record.

The Indian star dominated the field throughout the competition. Nigeria's Ruth Asuko Nyong claimed the silver medal with a total lift of 168kg, while Malaysia's Irene Jane Henry settled for bronze with 167kg. Chanu finished well ahead of both competitors, underlining her superiority in the event.

CWG 2026: Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu scripted another golden chapter in Indian weightlifting history by clinching the women's 48kg title at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.

Mirabai Chanu says, "I was overwhelmed with happiness. During training, I faced many… pic.twitter.com/Ugtz3RTa1e

— IANS (@ians_india) July 26, 2026

Four Records and an Emotional Gold Medal Celebration

Chanu's performance was historic in more ways than one. During the competition, she created four new records. She first set a Commonwealth record with her 82kg snatch before breaking her own mark by lifting 85kg. She then established a new Commonwealth Games record in the clean and jerk with 105kg and finished with a total lift of 190kg, creating another Commonwealth record in the overall category.

The emotional significance of the victory was evident during the medal ceremony. As the Indian national anthem played and the tricolour was raised, Chanu struggled to hold back her tears, reflecting the sacrifices and hard work behind her achievement.

Speaking after winning the gold medal, Chanu said she was delighted to fulfil the promise she had made to her mother and coach Vijay Sharma.

"I have been able to keep the promise I made to my mother and coach Vijay sir to win gold again."

Reflecting on her historic achievement, she added:

"I am happy with my performance. I am proud to win the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games for the third consecutive time. Seeing the national flag flying and hearing the national anthem playing was a very emotional moment. That's when I felt I had fulfilled the promise I made to my mother and coach Vijay sir."

Chanu also expressed her gratitude to coach Vijay Sharma, the support staff, the Weightlifting Federation of India, the Ministry of Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and every supporter who stood by her throughout her journey.

She reserved special thanks for her family, saying their constant encouragement gave her the strength to perform on the biggest stage.

"My mother and family members always pray for me. Their blessings give me the strength to give my best for the country."

With another dominant Commonwealth Games campaign, Mirabai Chanu has further cemented her place among India's greatest sporting icons. Her third consecutive Commonwealth gold is not only a remarkable personal milestone but also a major boost for Indian weightlifting, which continues to rebuild its reputation on the international stage.