Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games (CWG) gold medal on Sunday, July 26, in Glasgow. The 31-year-old athlete from Manipur delivered a dominant performance, lifting a total of 190kg (85kg in snatch and 105kg in clean and jerk), and also shattered a Games record in the process.
Chanu's victory marked India's first gold medal at the 2026 Games and added a fourth CWG medal to her illustrious collection, solidifying her status as a national icon in the sport.
Record-Breaking Snatch Performance
Mirabai Chanu entered the arena as the heavy favorite and wasted no time in asserting her dominance. Although her initial snatch attempt was unsuccessful, she quickly regrouped. Her second attempt at 82kg not only cleared the bar but also broke the existing Games record in the 48kg category, previously held at 79kg.
Not content with just one record, Chanu returned for her third snatch attempt, successfully lifting a remarkable 85kg. This flawless execution not only extended her own Games record but also surpassed her personal Commonwealth record of 84kg, which she had set in Ahmedabad the previous year.
Drama Unfolds in Clean and Jerk
With Nigeria's Ruth Nyong having successfully lifted 93kg in the clean and jerk, the pressure was on Chanu to secure her gold. She targeted 105kg. Her first clean and jerk attempt was unfortunately cancelled, adding a layer of tension to the competition.
Displaying incredible composure and focus, Chanu approached the bar for her second attempt. With a determined expression and a powerful war cry, she executed a textbook lift. The clean was controlled, her breathing steady, and the bar was raised cleanly above her head and held securely. The judges confirmed the lift, and the arena erupted in cheers as Chanu's trademark smile returned.
Eyes Set on the Asian Games
Despite her spectacular performance in Glasgow, Chanu had previously indicated that her primary focus for the year lies elsewhere. Ahead of the CWG, she stated, "I will not give my full effort in the Commonwealth Games. My focus is the Asian Games, which are very near. I am training according to that. So my performance and effort here will depend on that plan."
Her ability to secure a third successive Commonwealth gold and two new records without even pushing her absolute limits underscores her exceptional talent and strategic approach, setting high expectations for her upcoming appearance at the Asian Games in September.