Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold Medal at Commonwealth Games 2026 in Women's 48kg Weightlifting

Glasgow, Scotland – India's weightlifting queen, Mirabai Chanu, once again etched her name in history by clinching a gold medal in the Women's 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow today, July 26, 2026. This remarkable victory marks her third consecutive gold at the Commonwealth Games, further cementing her legendary status in Indian sports.

A Golden Performance in Glasgow

Chanu displayed her unparalleled strength and composure, culminating in a total lift of 190kg to secure India's first gold medal at the Glasgow Games. Competing in the women's 48kg final, she faced an initial setback in the snatch category, failing to lift 82kg on her first attempt. However, with characteristic resilience, she successfully cleared the same weight in her second try. In a spectacular third attempt, Chanu successfully lifted 85kg, not only securing her best snatch but also establishing a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch discipline. She then confidently navigated the clean and jerk section, achieving a lift of 105kg to reach her winning total.

Chanu's Commonwealth Games Legacy

This gold medal adds another glittering chapter to Chanu's illustrious Commonwealth Games journey. Her dominance began with a silver medal in the 48kg event at the 2014 Glasgow Games. She then ascended to the top of the podium, winning gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where she set new Games and Commonwealth records with a total lift of 196kg. She successfully defended her title at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the 49kg category, achieving a total lift of 201kg (snatch – 88kg; clean and jerk – 113 kg), and breaking her own records. Now, in Glasgow, she has made it a golden hat-trick, securing her third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal.

A Storied Career Continues

Beyond the Commonwealth Games, Mirabai Chanu boasts an impressive array of international accolades. She famously won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 49kg category, lifting a total of 202kg (87kg snatch + 115kg clean and jerk), becoming only the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari to win an Olympic medal, and the second Indian woman after PV Sindhu to claim an Olympic silver medal. Her career also includes a gold medal at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships in the 48kg category, with a total lift of 194kg (85kg snatch + 109kg clean and jerk), making her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in over two decades since Karnam Malleswari's victories in 1994 and 1995. Furthermore, she set a world record in the clean and jerk at the 2021 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, by lifting 119kg in the 49kg category, contributing to a bronze medal with a total of 205kg. She has also secured silver medals at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships in Bogota (49kg, 200kg total) and the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships in Forde, Norway (48kg, 199kg total).

India's Pride and Flag Bearer

As the flag bearer for India at the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Chanu's gold medal holds immense significance, marking India's first top honour at this edition of the Games. Her consistent performance and dedication continue to inspire a nation, showcasing India's prowess on the international weightlifting stage. The current time in Glasgow (BST) is 4 hours 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time (IST).

Mirabai Chanu's enduring excellence and remarkable consistency solidify her position as one of India's most celebrated athletes, a true inspiration for aspiring sportspersons across the country. Her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold is a testament to her hard work, skill, and unwavering determination.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).