Indian weightlifting star Saikhom Mirabai Chanu opened India’s gold medal account at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a dominant performance, clinching the women’s 48kg title on Sunday. The Olympic silver medallist produced two Commonwealth Games record lifts to secure her third consecutive gold medal at the prestigious event.
Mirabai sets new Games records
The 31-year-old lifter from Manipur lifted a Commonwealth Games record 85kg in the snatch before registering another Games record of 105kg in the clean and jerk. Her combined total of 190kg was also a Games record, ensuring a comfortable victory.
Mirabai finished 22kg ahead of Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who claimed the silver medal with a total lift of 168kg.
Champion overcomes early setback
Mirabai’s campaign began on a challenging note as she failed her opening snatch attempt at 82kg. However, she quickly regained her composure and successfully lifted 85kg on her subsequent attempt, setting a new Games record.
She faced another hurdle in the clean and jerk after dropping the bar on her opening attempt. Undeterred, the experienced lifter responded with a remarkable 105kg lift on her second attempt, sealing the gold medal well before the competition concluded.
With the title already secured and the record rewritten, Mirabai chose not to attempt her third clean and jerk lift, conserving energy ahead of the Asian Games, which are scheduled to begin in less than two months.
Third straight Commonwealth Games gold
The victory marked Mirabai’s third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal, following her triumphs at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games. She had also won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were also held in Glasgow.
The latest achievement further strengthens Mirabai’s remarkable legacy in international weightlifting and provides India with a perfect start to its medal campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.