Mirabai Chanu's Historic Achievement

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu from Manipur secured India's first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland.

Performance Details

  • Category: Women's 48kg weightlifting
  • Total Lift: 190 kg
  • Snatch: 85 kg
  • Clean and Jerk: 105 kg
  • Records Broken: Commonwealth Games records in snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total

Milestone: Third Consecutive CWG Gold

YearHost CityAchievement
2018Gold CoastGold
2022BirminghamGold
2026GlasgowGold

This makes Mirabai Chanu the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals in the same category.

Other Indian Medalists

  1. Chanambam Rishikanta Singh (Men's 60kg)
  • Silver Medal
  • Combined lift: 264 kg
  • Also from Manipur
  1. Raja Muthupandi (Men's 65kg)
  • Silver Medal
  • Combined lift: 286 kg
  • From Tamil Nadu

Historical Context: India's CWG Journey

Key Milestones

  • 1934 London: India made its debut at Commonwealth Games
  • First Medal: Rashid Anwar won bronze in wrestling
  • First Individual Gold: Milkha Singh in 440 yards event at 1958 Cardiff Games
  • 2026 Glasgow: Mirabai Chanu's third consecutive gold

Mirabai Chanu's Career Highlights

  • 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Silver medalist (49kg category)
  • 2014 Glasgow: Silver medal (first CWG medal)
  • Multiple World Championships medalist
  • Padma Shri recipient (2018)

Significance for India

  1. Dominance in Weightlifting: India has established itself as a powerhouse in Commonwealth Games weightlifting
  2. North-East Achievement: Two of three medalists hail from Manipur, highlighting the region's contribution to Indian sports
  3. Consistent Excellence: Mirabai Chanu's three consecutive golds demonstrate sustained elite performance
  4. Medal Tally Boost: Early gold and silver medals set a strong foundation for India's overall standing

Constitutional/Policy Connection

  • Article 51A(f): Duty of citizens to promote the spirit of harmony and the dignity of sports
  • Sports Policy: Fit India Movement, Khelo India Programme align with promoting sporting excellence
  • National Sports Awards: Recognition through Arjuna Award, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna for outstanding athletes