Glasgow: Mirabai Chanu secures third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold

By Arjun Nair / 26.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 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 commanding performance in the women’s 48kg event, setting new records in the process. Her victory marks a significant achievement, continuing a streak of success that includes gold medals in the 2018 and 2022 editions of the Games, and a silver medal at the 2014 Games.

Chanu’s performance in the snatch event was particularly notable. She began her attempts at 82kg, a weight that she only attempted after all other competitors had finished their three lifts. Despite a brief moment of concern when she failed her initial lift due to losing balance, she quickly recovered to successfully lift 82kg, establishing a new Commonwealth record.

Record-breaking performance

Following her successful 82kg lift, Chanu increased the weight to 85kg for her final snatch attempt. She executed this lift with apparent ease, further breaking her own Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records. Her rivals in the event managed lifts of 77kg and 71kg, highlighting Chanu’s significant lead in the competition.

Beyond the snatch, Chanu also set a Games record in the clean and jerk, lifting 105kg. This impressive lift contributed to her winning total of 190kg. These record-breaking achievements underscore her consistent excellence and position as a leading figure in Indian weightlifting.

The success of Indian weightlifters at the Commonwealth Games 2026 extended beyond Chanu’s gold. In the men’s 60kg weightlifting event, Rishikanta Singh secured a silver medal. Rishikanta achieved a combined total of 264kg, with a 121kg snatch and a 143kg clean and jerk. He also set a new Commonwealth Games snatch record with his personal-best lift of 121kg.

During the men’s competition, Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan matched Rishikanta’s snatch record of 121kg. Kasdan ultimately claimed the gold medal with a Games record total of 273kg, consisting of a 121kg snatch and a 152kg clean and jerk. Rishikanta briefly held the lead after his initial 143kg clean and jerk lift, but Kasdan responded with lifts of 145kg and 149kg to regain the advantage. Rishikanta attempted to reclaim the lead with a 151kg lift on his final attempt, successfully completing the clean but failing to lock out the jerk.

Widespread congratulations

Chanu’s gold medal victory has been met with widespread celebration and congratulations. Indian fans in Glasgow, Scotland, where the Commonwealth Games 2026 are being held, celebrated her achievement. One fan, Nishtha, expressed immense pride, describing the moment as “surreal.”

Prominent figures have also extended their felicitations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chanu, stating that her victory marked “another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting.” He further noted that Chanu had once again showcased her skills with a stunning performance in the women’s 48kg category and lauded her for winning back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold medals. The Prime Minister described her as an inspiration for every Indian and wished her continued success.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated Chanu, highlighting her “unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence” which he said have brought glory to the nation. He added that her achievement reflects a spirit of perseverance and dedication that inspires millions of young Indians, wishing her continued success and future laurels. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also greeted the weightlifter, acknowledging her consistent medal-winning performances for India at the highest level over the years, which he attributed to her exceptional dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence. He stated that her remarkable achievements have made the entire nation proud.

These messages of support and admiration underscore the significance of Chanu’s achievement and her impact on the sporting community in India. Her consistent performance at international events continues to inspire many.

Source: m.rediff.com