India has struck gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, thanks to one of its greatest weightlifters. Mirabai Chanu delivered another brilliant performance to win the country’s first gold medal of the Games, breaking records and adding another remarkable achievement to her already glittering career. Competing in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event in Glasgow, Mirabai dominated the competition with a record-breaking total lift, giving India a perfect start to its gold medal tally.
Mirabai Chanu wins India’s first gold at 2026 Commonwealth Games with record lift:
Mirabai Chanu lifted 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk, giving her a combined total of 190kg. The outstanding performance set new Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records, leaving her rivals well behind.
The victory made Mirabai the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and continued her incredible dominance in international weightlifting. It was also her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, after winning titles in 2018 and 2022.
A champion who keeps making history
With this latest triumph, Mirabai now has four Commonwealth Games medals overall, having won a silver in 2014 followed by three straight gold medals. Her consistency has made her one of India’s most successful weightlifters of all time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mirabai, calling her performance another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting and praising her for inspiring millions of Indians through her dedication and achievements.
Mirabai later revealed that preparing for the event was extremely challenging. To compete in the correct weight category, she said she did not eat or drink for three days before the competition, showing the immense sacrifice elite athletes often make to perform at the highest level.
Did you know: India Set New Records at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025
What are the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games are an international multi-sport event held every four years, bringing together athletes from countries and territories that are members of the Commonwealth. Competitors battle for gold, silver and bronze medals in sports such as athletics, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics, boxing and more.
Also read: Mirabai Chanu Wins a Silver at Weightlifting World Championships 2025
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