Mirabai Chanu wins India’s first gold at Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, securing her third consecutive gold medal with a total lift of 190kg. Read more!
Chanu’s Dominant Performance in Glasgow
Mirabai Chanu secured India’s first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Her victory on Sunday, July 26, marked her third successive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, opening India’s gold account for the 2026 edition. Chanu achieved a winning total of 190kg, which included 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk.
The weightlifting icon’s performance saw her join Chanambam Rishikanta Singh as the second weightlifter to earn a medal on the same day. During her lifts, Chanu established new games and Commonwealth records in the snatch round. She further solidified her performance by lifting 105 kgs in the clean and jerk, securing another games record and her fourth CWG medal overall.
Chanu entered the competition as a strong favourite. While other weightlifters vied for podium positions, her focus was on executing perfect lifts in both the snatch and clean and jerk to secure the top spot. Her strategy for Glasgow was influenced by her upcoming participation in the Asian Games, which are scheduled to take place in two months. She had previously indicated that she would not attempt anything overly ambitious during the Commonwealth Games.
Records Set in Snatch and Clean & Jerk
Chanu was the last competitor to approach the stage for her lifts. Her initial attempt in the snatch round was not perfect, but this did not deter her. After a brief consultation with her coaches, she returned for her second attempt, successfully lifting 82 kgs and setting a new Commonwealth record. She then increased the weight to 85 kgs for her final snatch attempt, executing it perfectly and breaking both the games and Commonwealth records.
The previous games record in the 48 kg category was set at 79 kgs, a mark Chanu surpassed with ease. She also broke her own Commonwealth record of 84 kgs, which she had established the previous year in Ahmedabad. Her dominant display in the women’s 49kg snatch event highlighted her status as a leading weightlifting star.
In the clean and jerk round, Chanu set her benchmark at 105 kgs. With Nigeria’s Ruth Nyong having raised the bar to 93 kgs, Chanu knew that a successful lift would secure her the gold. Similar to the snatch round, her first clean and jerk attempt was not successful and was cancelled. However, she regrouped with renewed determination.
Approaching the bar with focus, she executed the clean part of the lift and maintained her breathing rhythm. She then lifted the bar above her head and held the pose without issues, earning approval from the judges and cheers from the crowd. This successful lift completed her sensational performance.
Focus Shifts to Asian Games
Chanu has made it clear that her next major objective is to secure a medal at the Asian Games. The 31-year-old athlete stated that her performance and effort in Glasgow were planned to support her preparations for the Asian Games in September. She had previously mentioned that she would not exert her full effort in the Commonwealth Games, prioritising her training for the upcoming Asian Games.
Her performance on Sunday suggests that her goal of an Asian Games medal is within reach. She demonstrated a controlled and strategic approach to her lifts, securing the gold while managing her overall effort with the Asian Games in mind. This victory marks a significant achievement in her career as she continues to pursue further success on the international stage.
Chanu’s ability to dominate the competition while also managing her long-term athletic goals highlights her strategic approach to major events. Her win in Glasgow on Sunday, July 26, sets a strong precedent for her upcoming challenges.
Source: indiatoday.in
