Glasgow: Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu scripted history on Saturday by winning her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, lifting 105 kg in the clean and jerk to claim the women’s 48 kg title at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
With the victory, Chanu also secured India’s first gold medal of the Games, further cementing her legacy as one of the country’s greatest weightlifters.
Third Straight Commonwealth Games Gold
Mirabai Chanu successfully defended her Commonwealth crown after previously winning gold medals at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Her latest triumph makes it a remarkable hat-trick of Commonwealth Games titles.
Record-Breaking Performance
Chanu began the competition in spectacular fashion by lifting 85 kg in the snatch, setting a new Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth record in the discipline.
In the clean and jerk, she opened with an unsuccessful attempt at 82 kg but quickly recovered.
She then:
- Successfully lifted 82 kg on her second attempt.
- Cleared 85 kg on her third attempt to establish another Games and Commonwealth record.
- Produced a stunning 105 kg lift, comfortably securing the gold medal and sealing a memorable victory.
Her dominant performance underlined her consistency and experience on the international stage.
India’s Golden Start at Glasgow 2026
Chanu’s victory handed India its first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, providing a perfect start to the country’s medal campaign.
The Olympic silver medallist has now added another prestigious title to an already glittering career that includes Olympic, World Championship, Commonwealth Games, and Asian-level honours.
Rishikanta Singh Finishes with Silver
Earlier in the competition, Indian weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh delivered an impressive performance in the men’s event but narrowly missed out on gold.
Rishikanta finished with a combined total of 264 kg, comprising:
- Snatch: 121 kg
- Clean and Jerk: 143 kg
He briefly led the competition before Malaysia’s Mohamad Aniq Kasdan surged ahead with a Commonwealth Games record total of 273 kg (121 kg snatch + 152 kg clean and jerk).
Kenya’s Joshua Mboya claimed the bronze medal with a total lift of 260 kg.
Rishikanta Sets Snatch Record
Rishikanta impressed by successfully lifting 116 kg, 119 kg, and finally 121 kg in the snatch, breaking the Commonwealth Games snatch record while also registering a personal best.
Kasdan matched the 121 kg lift to remain level after the opening discipline.
In the clean and jerk, Rishikanta successfully opened at 143 kg, temporarily taking the overall lead. However, Kasdan responded with lifts of 145 kg, 149 kg, and finally 152 kg, setting a new Games record.
Needing 151 kg on his final attempt to reclaim the gold medal position, Rishikanta completed the clean but was unable to lock out the jerk, finishing with the silver medal after an outstanding performance.
Mirabai Chanu’s historic achievement and Rishikanta Singh’s record-breaking effort have given India an encouraging start at the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, with expectations high for more medal-winning performances in the days ahead.
