Glasgow (Scotland): India’s medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games got off to a golden start as star weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu delivered a record-breaking performance to capture the women’s 48kg title on Sunday, reaffirming her status as one of the country’s finest athletes.
The Olympic silver medallist from Manipur outclassed her rivals by registering a total lift of 190kg, comprising 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk. Her remarkable effort established new Commonwealth Games records and ensured India celebrated its first gold medal of the competition.
Mirabai’s latest triumph extends her unbeaten run at the Commonwealth Games, earning her a third straight gold medal after victories in the 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham editions. The achievement adds to the silver medal she won at the 2014 Games in Glasgow, making her one of India’s most successful athletes in Commonwealth Games history.
The competition did not begin perfectly for the 31-year-old, who failed to clear her opening snatch attempt at 82kg. However, she quickly recovered to lift 85kg, giving herself a comfortable lead heading into the clean and jerk.
A failed opening lift in the clean and jerk also failed to derail her momentum. Mirabai responded with a successful 105kg attempt, a lift that not only secured the gold medal but also improved the Games records in the discipline and overall total. With victory already assured, she decided against taking her final attempt to avoid unnecessary strain ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.
Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong claimed the silver medal with a combined lift of 168kg, finishing well behind the Indian champion, while the remaining competitors were unable to challenge Mirabai’s commanding lead throughout the event.
The victory highlights Mirabai’s consistency on the international stage and provides India with the ideal beginning to its Commonwealth Games campaign. As attention now shifts to the Asian Games, the experienced weightlifter will look to carry her impressive form into another major international competition.
