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New Delhi : India’s celebrated weightlifting champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu once again proved why she is regarded as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons, clinching India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a breathtaking, record-shattering performance. The Olympic medallist successfully defended her crown for the third consecutive Commonwealth Games, becoming one of the rare Indian athletes to achieve a historic golden hat-trick on the biggest stage of the Commonwealth sporting calendar.
Competing in the women’s 49kg weightlifting category, Mirabai displayed absolute dominance from the very beginning. She lifted 85kg in the snatch before producing another commanding effort of 105kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a combined total of 190kg. Her extraordinary performance not only secured the gold medal with ease but also rewrote the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records in the process, underlining her unmatched consistency and technical brilliance.
The victory marked Mirabai Chanu’s fourth Commonwealth Games medal, adding another glittering chapter to an already illustrious career that includes an Olympic silver medal, World Championship title and multiple international accolades. Over the years, she has become the face of Indian weightlifting, inspiring countless young athletes through her resilience, discipline and unwavering determination. Her latest triumph further cements her legacy as one of India’s finest-ever sportspersons.
Mirabai’s gold also opened India’s medal tally at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, providing the perfect launchpad for the country’s campaign. Winning the first gold of a multi-sport event often sets the tone for the contingent, and Chanu’s commanding victory has injected confidence and optimism into the entire Indian squad as athletes across disciplines prepare for their respective competitions.
Adding to the celebrations, Chanambam Rishikanta Singh also delivered an impressive performance to secure a medal for India, making it a memorable opening day for Indian weightlifting. The twin podium finishes highlighted the growing strength of India’s weightlifting programme and reflected years of investment in nurturing world-class talent.
For Mirabai, however, this victory carries significance far beyond another medal. It is the story of an athlete who has consistently overcome injuries, setbacks and immense expectations to remain at the pinnacle of her sport. From lifting dreams in a small village in Manipur to lifting record-breaking weights on the Commonwealth stage, her journey continues to inspire millions across the nation.
As the Indian tricolour soared above the arena and the national anthem echoed through Glasgow, Mirabai Chanu once again reminded the world why she remains India’s queen of weightlifting. Her historic third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold is not just a personal milestone, it is a proud moment for Indian sport and a powerful statement that the nation’s athletes are ready to shine on the global stage.
