Mirabai Chanu clinched the women's 48kg title at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, marking her third consecutive gold medal and setting new records.
Kohima, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: GLASGOW, JUL 26: Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu scripted another golden chapter in Indian weightlifting history by clinching the women’s 48kg title at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Sunday. This victory completed a hat-trick of Commonwealth Games gold medals while shattering the Games and Commonwealth snatch records in the process. Chanu's success not only enhances her personal accolades but also significantly contributes to India's growing reputation in the sport of weightlifting on the global stage.
Mirabai, who was India’s first gold medallist at the Glasgow Games, recovered from a difficult beginning to deliver a dominant performance. Although she failed on her first attempt at the 82kg snatch, the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist managed to lift that weight on her second try and then increased the bar to 85kg on her last attempt, thereby setting new records at the Commonwealth Games in the event as well as new Commonwealth Records. This remarkable comeback is a testament to her resilience and mental fortitude, qualities that she has consistently demonstrated throughout her career.
Chanu's journey to the podium has not been without its challenges. She has faced significant pressure and expectations following her Olympic success, and her ability to perform under such conditions speaks volumes about her dedication to the sport. The Commonwealth Games have become a platform for her to showcase her skills, and her consistent performance has inspired many young athletes in India to pursue weightlifting as a viable sport.
Having taken an eight-kilogram lead on the clean and jerk as a result of her record-setting snatch, the Manipuri lifter dropped the bar on her first attempt at the clean and jerk. However, she responded in a champion’s manner by lifting 105kg on her second attempt, securing the gold medal well before the competition ended. This victory was Mirabai’s third consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, having won at the 2018 Games held in Gold Coast and at the 2022 Games in Birmingham, which once again confirms her position as one of India’s finest weightlifters.
Chanu's achievements have not only brought her personal glory but have also sparked a renewed interest in weightlifting across India. The Indian government and sports authorities have been investing more in the development of athletes in this sport, recognizing the potential for international success. This has led to improved training facilities, coaching, and support for athletes, which are crucial for their development and performance on the world stage.
Earlier in the day, India opened its medal tally with Rishikanta Singh Chanambam, who delivered an impressive performance to win a silver medal in the men’s 60kg event. Rishikanta surpassed the Commonwealth Games record in the snatch by lifting 121kg, which was above the previous record of 120kg. He then lifted 143kg in the clean and jerk, bringing his total weight to 264kg and thus winning the silver medal. His achievement is particularly significant as it highlights the depth of talent in Indian weightlifting, showcasing that there are multiple athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.
Bin Kasdan Mohamad Aniq from Malaysia ultimately won the gold medal with a total weight of 273kg, the Commonwealth Games record, and Joshua Amunga Mboya from Kenya secured the bronze medal with 260kg. The competitive nature of the event underscores the growing strength of weightlifting in the Commonwealth region, with several nations producing world-class lifters.
Indian weightlifter Rishikanta Singh wins silver medal
GLASGOW, JULY 26: India added another medal to their tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as weightlifter Rishikanta Singh Chanambam clinched silver in the men’s 60kg category on Sunday. The Indian lifter registered a combined total of 264kg, highlighted by a record-breaking effort in the snatch, to finish second behind Malaysia’s Bin Kasdan Mohamad Aniq, while Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya completed the podium. Rishikanta's performance is a reflection of the rigorous training and preparation that Indian athletes undergo in their pursuit of excellence.
The Indian opened with 116kg before successfully lifting 119kg and then 121kg on his third attempt to finish the snatch section on top of the standings. With the bar raised to 121kg for his final snatch attempt, Rishikanta recorded a new Games record in the snatch. This achievement not only adds to his personal accolades but also contributes to India's overall medal tally, which is crucial for national pride and recognition in international sports.
Carrying the momentum into the Clean & Jerk, Rishikanta opened with a successful 143kg lift to remain firmly in medal contention. His first attempt was composed and technically sound, keeping him ahead of the chasing pack. The Indian then opted for 148kg on his second attempt but was unable to complete the lift, leaving Aniq with the opportunity to seize control. The Malaysian responded with a successful 149kg effort. In the final attempt, Rishikanta made one final bid for the gold by calling for a 151kg attempt. He cleaned the weight to his shoulders but could not complete the jerk after adjustments, bringing his challenge to an end with a total of 264kg. Aniq, already assured of the title, finished in style by lifting 152kg in the clean and jerk to take his combined total to 273kg, setting a new overall Commonwealth Games record and sealing top spot on the podium. Kenya’s Joshua Amunga Mboya claimed bronze with an aggregate of 260kg.
Although he narrowly missed out on the top step of the podium, Rishikanta ensured India opened Day 4’s medal account in style. His performance resonates with the spirit of sportsmanship and determination that is characteristic of Indian athletes, who continually strive to achieve greatness despite the challenges they face.
Indian men’s 4×200 freestyle relay team qualifies for final
The Indian men’s 4x200m freestyle relay team advanced to the final after finishing third in their heat, keeping alive hopes of a swimming medal at the Commonwealth Games here on Sunday. The quartet of Dhakshan Shashikumar, Aneesh Sunil Kumar Gowda, Aryan Nehra, and Srihari Nataraj clocked 7:39.48 to finish behind swimming powerhouses Australia (7:08.66) and England (7:18.13) in Heat 2. This advancement is significant as it reflects the growing competitiveness of Indian swimmers on international platforms.
With only four teams competing in the heat after Canada did not start, all four — Australia, England, India, and Jersey — progressed to the eight-team final. Australia dominated the race from start to finish, but the battle for third was closely contested between India and Jersey. Jersey held the advantage at the 350m mark before India moved ahead, only to surrender the position again at the 450m mark. The Indians, however, produced a strong finish, regaining third place at the 700m mark and maintaining it through the final 100 metres to seal qualification ahead of Jersey.
Across the combined standings from the two heats, India qualified fifth overall, with Australia, Scotland, England, and Wales posting faster times. The performance gives the Indian quartet a realistic opportunity to challenge for a podium finish in the final if they can improve on their heat timing. The relay team's qualification not only adds to India's medal hopes but also highlights the potential for growth in Indian swimming, a sport that has often been overshadowed by athletics and weightlifting in the country. As more athletes emerge from various disciplines, the future of Indian sports looks promising, with the Commonwealth Games serving as a vital stepping stone for many athletes aiming for global recognition.
To learn more about the latest developments in Cricket, stay updated with our exclusive reports and analyses on AiLensNews.
