India’s Olympic medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu scripted history at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow by winning her third consecutive gold medal in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event, becoming one of India’s most successful Commonwealth athletes.
The 31-year-old lifted a record-breaking 190kg total (85kg snatch and 105kg clean and jerk), setting new Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games records in the snatch and fresh Games records in the clean and jerk and total.
Her victory handed India its first gold medal of the Glasgow Games and took her overall Commonwealth Games tally to four medals a silver in 2014 followed by golds in 2018, 2022 and now 2026. Despite missing her opening attempts in both the snatch and clean and jerk, Mirabai recovered with remarkable composure to finish 22kg ahead of Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong.
Following the victory, Mirabai thanked supporters on X, calling the achievement special as it came in her fourth Commonwealth Games appearance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh and former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh were among those who congratulated her, describing her as an inspiration whose perseverance and consistency continue to elevate Indian sport.
Record-Breaking Golden Performance
Mirabai’s latest triumph further cemented her reputation as one of the world’s most consistent weightlifters. Her campaign began with an unexpected setback when she failed her opening 82kg snatch attempt. However, the Olympic silver medallist quickly regained her composure, successfully lifting 85kg to establish new Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games records in the discipline.
She encountered another brief hurdle in the clean and jerk after failing her opening 105kg attempt but returned moments later to lift the same weight with ease, setting another Commonwealth Games record and taking her total to 190kg. With the gold medal already secured, Mirabai chose to skip her final lift to avoid unnecessary strain ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.
Her nearest rival, Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong, managed 168kg, finishing a distant 22kg behind the Indian star. Earlier in the day, compatriot Rishikanta Singh had claimed silver in the men’s 60kg category, ensuring a strong opening for India’s weightlifting contingent.
Reflecting on her achievement, Mirabai wrote on X: “I am pleased with my performance and truly humbled to win my third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal at Glasgow. This being my fourth CWG appearance makes this achievement even more special. I would like to thank everyone for your unwavering support. Jai Hind.”
Legacy Built on Perseverance
Mirabai’s Glasgow success represents another milestone in a remarkable sporting journey that has inspired millions across India. Raised in Manipur, she overcame financial challenges and humble beginnings to become an Olympic silver medallist, World Champion and one of India’s greatest-ever weightlifters. Her latest victory also highlighted the sacrifices elite athletes make to compete at the highest level.
After the event, Mirabai revealed that she had avoided food and water for three days to meet the 48kg weight category, underscoring the discipline required in international weightlifting. Congratulating her on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the performance as “another glorious chapter in Indian Weightlifting” and praised her for continuing to inspire every Indian through her consistency and excellence.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said her historic achievement reflected unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence, while Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailed her rare hat-trick of Commonwealth Games gold medals as a testament to dedication and extraordinary strength.
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh called the achievement a shining example of resilience and excellence, while former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also joined the nationwide celebrations. With the Asian Games less than two months away, Mirabai’s decision to prioritise fitness over chasing even bigger records indicates a carefully planned approach as she prepares for the next phase of her international career.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Mirabai Chanu’s latest achievement is far more than another sporting milestone it is a reminder of what sustained commitment, resilience and quiet determination can accomplish. At a time when conversations around Indian sport often revolve around short-term success, Mirabai’s decade-long consistency demonstrates the value of patient investment in athletes, robust sporting infrastructure and long-term support systems.
Her journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming a four-time Commonwealth Games medallist continues to inspire young people across the country, especially those from underrepresented regions who aspire to excel despite limited resources.
