India’s star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu created history by winning her third consecutive Commonwealth Games (CWG) gold medal in the women’s 48kg event at Glasgow 2026. The 31-year-old lifted a Games record total of 190kg, comprising 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk, to secure India’s first gold medal of the Games. In the process, she became only the third Indian athlete to win three successive Commonwealth Games gold medals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chanu, describing her achievement as “another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting” and praising her dedication and excellence.
A Historic Hat-Trick For India
Competing in the women’s 48kg category, Chanu opened with an 85kg snatch, setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the discipline. She followed it up with a successful 105kg clean and jerk, taking her combined total to 190kg, another Games record, to comfortably finish atop the podium.
After her victory, Chanu said she was humbled to win her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and thanked her coaches, support staff and family for their constant support throughout her career. Her medal also gave India its first gold at the Glasgow Games, providing an early boost to the country’s campaign.
From A Small Village In Manipur To The Global Stage
Born on 8 August 1994 in Nongpok Kakching village in Manipur’s Imphal East district, Mirabai Chanu grew up in a modest family as the youngest of six siblings. Her remarkable physical strength was evident from childhood, with family members often recalling how she could carry heavy bundles of firewood from nearby hills.
Inspired by legendary Indian weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, Chanu began training at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. Despite limited resources and the challenges of travelling long distances for training, she remained committed to the sport. Her perseverance paid off as she rose through the national ranks, winning the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships before becoming only the second Indian weightlifter to claim an Olympic medal with silver at the Tokyo Olympics.
A golden hat-trick for India! 🥇🥇🥇🇮🇳@mirabai_chanu clinches the #Gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, adding another golden chapter to India's sporting journey. @YASMinistry #Cheer4Bharat #CommonwealthGames #MirabaiChanu #Glasgow2026 pic.twitter.com/gopyNGAPhQ
— DD News (@DDNewslive) July 26, 2026
A Journey Defined By Resilience
Chanu’s career has been marked by resilience as much as success. At the Rio Olympics in 2016, she was unable to register a successful lift, a setback that she later described as one of the most difficult moments of her sporting journey. She responded by rebuilding her confidence and technique, returning to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, defending her title in Birmingham in 2022, and now completing a historic hat-trick in Glasgow.
Alongside her Olympic silver and World Championship gold, the latest Commonwealth Games title further strengthens her standing as one of India’s most accomplished weightlifters. Her journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes across the country, particularly young sportspersons from smaller towns and rural communities.
National Recognition For A Sporting Icon
Congratulating Chanu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said her victory had written “another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting”. He praised her unwavering determination, discipline and commitment, saying her achievement would inspire countless young Indians to pursue excellence in sport.
Chanu’s latest triumph also reflects India’s continued progress in weightlifting on the international stage. Her consistency across multiple Olympic cycles and Commonwealth Games has made her one of the country’s most successful athletes and an important role model for the next generation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Mirabai Chanu’s remarkable journey demonstrates how perseverance, discipline and access to opportunity can transform talent into lasting success. From a small village in Manipur to the top of the Commonwealth podium, her achievements highlight the importance of supporting athletes through strong grassroots infrastructure, quality coaching and sustained investment in sport. Celebrating champions like Chanu should also encourage greater opportunities for young people from every region of India to pursue their sporting dreams. What lessons do you think India’s next generation of athletes can learn from Mirabai Chanu’s inspiring journey?
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#WATCH | स्कॉटलैंड के ग्लासगो में राष्ट्रमंडल खेलों की महिला 48 किलोग्राम भार वर्ग में स्वर्ण पदक जीतने के बाद भारोत्तोलक मीराबाई चानू ने कहा –
— आकाशवाणी समाचार (@AIRNewsHindi) July 26, 2026
"मैं बहुत खुश हूं कि भारत के लिए लगातार तीसरा स्वर्ण पदक जीत सकी। मेरे मन में कई तरह के विचार चल रहे थे। यह भी सोच रही थी कि क्या मैं… pic.twitter.com/b3DEL2GfKn
