Ukhrul, August 25: Olympic medalist and former world champion Mirabai Chanu returned to the top of the podium on Monday, winning gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and booking her place at the 2026 Games in Glasgow.
This is Mirabai Chanu’s first major medal since Tokyo 2021, when she won silver at the Olympics.
Competing for the first time since finishing fourth at the Paris Olympics last summer, Mirabai Chanu lifted a combined 193 kilograms — 84 in snatch and 109 in clean and jerk — to take the women’s 48-kilogram title. The victory marked her fourth career gold at the championships and reaffirmed her status as India’s leading lifter.
India’s Soumya Sunil Dalvi finished with silver at 177 kilograms, while Nigeria’s Ruth Asouquo Nyong claimed bronze with 167.
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India’s younger lifters also made their mark. Dharmajyoti Dewgharia set youth Commonwealth records in the men’s 56-kilogram division with a 224-kilogram total. Payal, competing in the women’s 48-kilogram youth event, broke three records with a 166-kilogram finish, while Preetismita Bhoi lifted 150 kilograms to win the youth women’s 44-kilogram class.
More than 300 athletes from 31 countries are competing in the 30th edition of the championships, which double as qualifiers for the Commonwealth Games.
The Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla offered his felicitations saying, “She continues to be one of the shining prides of Manipur, inspiring countless youths with her dedication and excellence…”
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