Olympic silver medallist and star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu opened India’s gold medal account at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in spectacular fashion, clinching the women’s weightlifting title with a record-breaking performance that thrilled fans and set the tone for the country’s campaign.
Competing in the women’s category, Chanu displayed her trademark consistency and strength, dominating the competition from the opening lift. She successfully completed impressive attempts in both the snatch and clean & jerk disciplines to register a new Commonwealth Games record and comfortably finish ahead of her rivals.
The gold medal marks another remarkable milestone in Chanu’s illustrious career, adding to her impressive collection of international honours, including an Olympic silver medal, World Championship medal, and multiple Commonwealth Games titles.
Speaking after her victory, Chanu dedicated the medal to the people of India and thanked her coaches, support staff, and fans for their unwavering encouragement. She said the achievement was the result of months of disciplined training and hard work.
India’s contingent erupted in celebration as Chanu stood atop the podium with the national anthem playing, providing an emotional moment for athletes and supporters alike. Her triumph also gave India its first gold medal of the Games, boosting the team’s confidence for the competitions ahead.
Sports officials hailed Chanu’s performance as a testament to her resilience and commitment, noting that she continues to inspire a new generation of athletes with her consistency on the international stage.
India is expected to build on the momentum, with several medal contenders, including Neeraj Chopra, Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat Zareen, and the men’s and women’s hockey teams, set to compete in the coming days.
Mirabai Chanu’s record-breaking lift has once again reaffirmed her status as one of India’s greatest sporting icons and provided the perfect start to the nation’s Commonwealth Games campaign.
