Mirabai Chanu powers India to first CWG 2026 gold with weightlifting triple-peat

Mirabai Chanu continued her era of Commonwealth Games dominance as she clinched her third straight weightlifting gold and India’s first at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Sunday, July 26. Mirabai scored a total of 190 points to secure the top spot on the podium with 85 catches and 105 clean rounds.

With this, the 31-year-old joins Chanambam Rishikanta Singh as the second weightlifter to bring home a medal on Sunday. With her lift, she set a Games and Commonwealth record in the vault round. Mirabai capped the sensational performance by lifting 105kg in a clean move to secure another Games record and her fourth CWG medal. (Credit: Commonwealth Games Website)

HOW THINGS WENT IN GLASGOW

Mirabai entered the competition as the undisputed favorite in the competition. While the rest of the weightlifters struggled to reach the podium, all the Indian star needed to do was deliver a perfect execution, first with a jerk and then a clean and jerk to secure first place.

Mirabai had earlier said that she would focus on the Asian Games in two months and that she was not going to try anything extravagant in Glasgow. She was the last to come on stage. Her first stroke in the grab wasn’t perfect, but that wasn’t enough to wipe the smile off her face.

She went backstage for a few quick words with her coaches and returned for a second try. This time she broke the record with a lift of 82 kg, much to the delight of the crowd. Just when we thought she might be done with her work, Mirabai returned with her signature smile still on.

This time the weight was increased to 85kg and she had no trouble executing a perfect catch to break the Games and Commonwealth records. The Games record in the 48 kg category was not set but was held at 79 kg, which Mirabai easily broke.

When it came to the Commonwealth Record, she broke her own mark of 84 kg, which she had set last year in Ahmedabad.

During a clean round, Mirabai again set her benchmark at 105kg and the pressure mounted on the Indian ace. Nigeria’s Ruth Nyong has raised the bar to 93kg, meaning Mirabai will win the gold if she does her best.

Similar to the ambush round, Mirabai added some drama as her first attempt was not perfect and was cancelled. She regrouped and returned with a newfound focus. Mirabai’s effort secured her fourth CWG medal on Sunday (Courtesy: Reuters)

This time there was no smile in her eyes, but determination. She let out a war cry before approaching the bar, which sent the Indian fans into a frenzy. And without flinching, she did the clean part, establishing a breathing rhythm.

She raised the bar above her head without any problems and held the pose perfectly. The judges loved it, the arena filled with cheers and a smile returned to Mirabai’s face.

MORE MEDALS IN THE ASIAN GAMES

Mirabai has made it clear that she is chasing the last dragon to slay in her illustrious career. Medals at the Asian Games.

The 31-year-old said her performance in Glasgow would be modeled so as not to affect her preparations for the Asian Games in September.

“I’m not going all out for the Commonwealth Games. I’m focusing on the Asian Games which is very close. I’m training accordingly. So my performance and effort here will depend on that plan,” Chanu said ahead of her attempt in Glasgow.

Judging by her performance on Sunday, it seems the Asian Games is not far for the Manipur superwoman.

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Published on:

26 Jul 2026 20:34 IST