Chanu Delivers a Champion's Performance in Glasgow

Mirabai Chanu reminded the world why she remains the undisputed queen of Indian weightlifting, delivering a performance worthy of a champion as she clinched her third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women's 48kg category on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Competing at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow, the result was never really in doubt; the only question was how far Mirabai would push the limits. The 31-year-old answered in emphatic style, rewriting the record books with a stunning display of strength and composure to hand India its first gold medal of the 2026 Games.

A Shaky Start, Then a Record-Breaking Snatch

Chanu endured an uncharacteristic stumble at the start of competition, failing her opening 82kg snatch attempt after losing balance during the squat. She recovered immediately, clearing the same weight comfortably on her second attempt, before producing a flawless third-attempt lift of 85kg that shattered the previous Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games snatch record.

Clean and Jerk Seals a Dominant Total

The clean and jerk followed a similar script of resilience. Chanu was unsuccessful with her opening attempt at 105kg but made no mistake the second time around, successfully hoisting the weight to seal the gold medal and set a new Games record in the discipline. She chose not to attempt a third lift, finishing with a combined total of 190kg (85kg snatch + 105kg clean and jerk) — a new Commonwealth Games record across all three categories: snatch, clean and jerk, and total.

Completing a Golden Hat-Trick

The victory marks Chanu's third consecutive Commonwealth Games title, following her gold-medal triumphs at Gold Coast 2018 (with a then-Games-record 196kg) and Birmingham 2022 (201kg in the 49kg category). It is also her fourth CWG medal overall, having first claimed silver in the 48kg category at Glasgow in 2014 — making this year's Glasgow gold a fitting close to the circle for the Manipuri superstar in the same city where her Commonwealth Games journey began.

'Extremely Happy,' Says Chanu

Speaking to reporters after her victory, an emotional Chanu said she was extremely happy to bring home the third gold medal for India, admitting there had been considerable pressure on her to perform. Visuals from the podium showed Chanu with tears in her eyes as the Indian national anthem played at the SEC Armadillo, capping a deeply emotional moment in her decorated career.

Podium Finish and What It Means for India

Nigeria's Ruth Asuquo Nyong took silver with a total of 168kg (75kg snatch + 93kg clean and jerk), while Malaysia's Irene Jane Henry claimed bronze with 167kg (77kg + 90kg). Chanu's win opened India's medal account at Glasgow 2026 in style and further cements her legacy as one of the country's greatest-ever sporting icons, adding another glittering chapter to a career that already includes an Olympic silver and a World Championship gold.