Mirabai Chanu Rates Asian Games Silver As Big As Winning An Olympic Medal
Mirabai Chanu made history today, September 23, 2026, by securing a silver medal in the women's 49kg weightlifting at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This monumental win not only completes her illustrious medal collection but also shatters India's 28-year-long wait for a weightlifting medal at the continental event.
Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu today clinched a long-awaited silver medal in the women's 49kg category at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, a triumph that not only completes her glittering trophy cabinet but also brings an end to India's 28-year drought for a weightlifting medal at the continental showpiece. Chanu, who turned 32 last month, expressed immense joy and relief, declaring that her life's medal collection feels complete with this elusive Asian Games podium finish. Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver Medal at Asian Games 2026 in Women's 49kg Weightlifting.
Chanu lifted a total of 198kg, comprising 87kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk, showcasing remarkable composure and strength. This performance marked her maiden Asian Games medal, following previous near-misses, including a fourth-place finish at Hangzhou 2023 due to a hip injury.
A Dream Realised After 12 Years
For the Olympic silver medallist, this Asian Games silver holds profound personal significance. "Winning an Asian Games medal is a dream come true. I have been chasing this medal for the last 12 years, since the 2014 Asian Games. My life is complete now with this medal. And I am feeling very light. It's a dream Asian Games,β Chanu stated after her event at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center. She had consistently expressed the importance of this medal in the lead-up to the Games, considering it a crucial addition to her array of accolades.Β She also said that with China, North Korea and Thailand producing some of the strongest weightlifters, winning a medal at the Asian Games carries the same significance as an Olympic medal.
Chanu's journey to this silver was fraught with challenges, including missing the 2018 edition due to a back injury and a heartbreaking fourth-place finish at the previous Games in Hangzhou. This time, there was no such drama, as she executed her lifts with precision, securing her position on the podium.
India's Drought Ends
Chanu's historic achievement also shattered a nearly three-decade-long wait for India in Asian Games weightlifting. The nation's last medal in the sport came in 1998, when Karnam Malleswari won a silver in Bangkok. Chanu's performance today has reignited hopes and boosted the morale of the Indian contingent, serving as a significant milestone for Indian weightlifting.
Final Standings (Women's 49kg Weightlifting)
The competition was fierce, with North Korea's Ri Song-gum dominating the field with a world-record-breaking performance. Jay Meena Wins Bronze at Asian Games 2026 in Men's Soft Tennis.
| Rank | Athlete | Nation | Snatch (kg) | Clean & Jerk (kg) | Total (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Ri Song-gum | North Korea | 94 | 121 | 215 |
| Silver | Mirabai Chanu | India | 87 | 111 | 198 |
| Bronze | Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana | Indonesia | 88 | 103 | 191 |
This silver medal is a testament to Mirabai Chanu's unwavering determination, consistency, and resilience, cementing her legacy as one of India's most celebrated athletes and inspiring countless aspiring weightlifters across the nation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 03:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
