Former world champion and Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu won gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad on Monday.
Competing for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics, Chanu lifted a total of 193 kg — 84 kg in snatch and 109 kg in clean and jerk — securing the top spot and a direct qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, according to Olympics.com.
Even though she cut one kg extra to fit into the new weight category, she qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games without pushing herself much. Mirabai’s total was 32kg more than second-placed Irene Jane Henry of Malaysia.
While winning her first gold in the meet on home soil, Mirabai, who had bagged a silver behind Sanjita Chanu at Pune in 2015, set three new Commonwealth records.
In the women’s 48 kg category, Chanu recorded her best snatch lift in her second attempt after missing her first. She attempted 87 kg in her third attempt but could not make a valid lift.
In the clean and jerk section, Chanu began with a successful lift of 105 kg and improved to 109 kg in her second attempt. Although she failed to lift 113 kg on her final attempt, her total was enough to claim gold.
Speaking after her win, Chanu said, “I am truly delighted to win the gold medal here in Ahmedabad. Competing on home soil after a year since the Paris Olympics made this moment even more special, and the support from the crowd gave me immense motivation. This victory is the result of relentless hard work, my coaches’ guidance, and the constant encouragement of the nation. It’s a great confidence boost as I prepare for the World Championships in October, and I’ll continue to give my best to make India proud on the international stage.”
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Rishianta Singh aggregated 271kg to beat Malaysia’s 55kg Commonwealth Games gold medallist Aniq Kasdan by 18kg for the 60kg gold.
Dharmajyoti Dewgharia (224kg) claimed the men’s junior and youth titles in 56kg, while Arumugapandian Maharajan (254kg) won 60kg junior and youth crowns.
Soumya Dalvi (177kg) and Payal (166kg) were the women’s 48kg junior and youth women’s champions, respectively. Preetismita Bhoi (150kg) won the 44kg youth women’s gold.
