Mirabai Chanu Bags Gold at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship

Ahmedabad (The Uttam Hindu): Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and former world champion Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in Ahmedabad on Monday. With the gold medal, Chanu directly qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow. Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal in the 48 kg category.

Chanu not only won the gold medal by lifting a total of 193 kg (84 kg snatch + 109 kg clean and jerk), but also set new Commonwealth records in snatch, clean and jerk and total weight. Malaysia's Irene Henry (161 kg) won the silver and Wales' Nicole Roberts (150 kg) won the bronze medal. Mirabai Chanu had landed on a big stage for the first time after the Paris Olympics. After a long time, her comeback was golden. After the victory, Mirabai Chanu said, "I am very happy to win the gold medal. Competing on home soil a year after the Paris Olympics makes this moment even more special. This victory is the result of tireless work, guidance from my coaches and encouragement from the fans. This is going to boost my confidence to prepare for the World Championships in October."

Since the Paris Olympics, Mirabai Chanu could not participate in many major international competitions due to injury. Chanu also missed out on winning a medal in the Paris Olympics. Despite lifting 199 kg (88 kg snatch + 111 kg clean and jerk) in the 49 kg category, she missed the medal. The International Weightlifting Federation has removed the 49 kg category. Because of this, Chanu returned to the 48 kg category. Chanu participated in this weight category in 2018. She has been the world champion in this weight category.