Glasgow: Mirabai Chanu secures India’s first gold at Commonwealth Games
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, a prominent weightlifter, has earned India’s inaugural gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. Her victory came in the women’s 48kg category on Sunday, marking a significant achievement for the nation.
The 31-year-old athlete demonstrated exceptional strength and skill, setting new Commonwealth Games records. She lifted 85kg in the snatch segment and followed this with a 105kg lift in the clean and jerk. These efforts culminated in a remarkable total lift of 190kg, securing her the top position on the podium.
A Dominant Performance
Mirabai’s performance showcased her dominance throughout the competition. She maintained control from the beginning, ultimately finishing 22kg ahead of Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who claimed the silver medal with a total lift of 168kg. This substantial lead underscored her superior form and technique.
Her campaign in Glasgow began with an initial challenge. Mirabai failed her first attempt at lifting 82kg in the snatch. However, she quickly regained her composure and successfully executed her subsequent attempts, culminating in the record-breaking 85kg lift.
Following her record-setting snatch, the Manipuri lifter had established an eight-kilogram advantage going into the clean and jerk. Despite dropping the bar on her first clean and jerk attempt, she responded decisively by lifting 105kg on her second try. This secured her the gold medal well before the competition concluded.
The 105kg lift not only guaranteed her victory but also shattered the existing Commonwealth Games record in the clean and jerk category and improved the overall total lift mark. With the gold medal already secured, Mirabai opted not to attempt her third clean and jerk lift.
A Legacy of Gold
This victory marks Mirabai’s third consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She previously won gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games, establishing a consistent record of success in the competition. Her consistent performance has solidified her reputation as a leading figure in Indian weightlifting.
Prior to her hat-trick of gold medals, the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist had also earned a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were also hosted in Glasgow. This earlier achievement in the same city adds another layer to her history of success at the event.
Her decision to forgo the third clean and jerk attempt was made with the upcoming Asian Games in mind. These games are scheduled to commence in less than two months, indicating her strategic focus on future competitions.
Mirabai’s journey to this golden moment was not without its moments of tension, including the nervous start with her opening snatch attempt. However, her ability to recover and perform under pressure highlights her resilience and champion’s temperament.
Her dominance was such that she effectively began her competition when many other participants had already completed their attempts. This strategic approach, combined with her record-breaking lifts, cemented her status as the undisputed queen of Indian weightlifting.
The 31-year-old athlete’s performance in Glasgow has once again rewritten the record books, demonstrating a stunning display of both strength and composure on the international stage.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
