Mirabai Chanu begins Asiad preparations in Glasgow after historic CWG gold
Glasgow, July 29
Less than three days after rewriting the record books with yet another Commonwealth Games gold medal, Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu is already back in training, shifting her focus to the next major target on India's sporting calendar, the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Indian weightlifting icon was spotted training in Glasgow as she began preparations for the continental showpiece. With the Commonwealth Games title secured, Mirabai has wasted little time in turning her attention to the only major multi-sport prize that has so far eluded her.
The Manipur-born weightlifter opened India's gold-medal account at the Commonwealth Games 2026 by clinching the women's 48kg title in commanding fashion. Despite failing her opening 82kg snatch attempt, she recovered brilliantly to clear the weight on her second lift before raising the bar to 85kg, setting new Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records in the snatch.
She encountered another hurdle in the clean and jerk after dropping her first attempt, but responded with the composure of a seasoned champion by successfully lifting 105kg on her second attempt, sealing the gold medal well before the competition concluded.
The triumph completed a hat-trick of Commonwealth Games titles for Mirabai, who had earlier won gold at Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham in 2022. Her Commonwealth journey began with a silver medal at Glasgow 2014, making her one of the most decorated weightlifters in the history of the Games.
The Asian Games, however, remains unfinished business. At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Mirabai finished fourth in the women's 49kg event with a total lift of 191kg, comprising 83kg in the snatch and 108kg in the clean and jerk. Her medal hopes ended painfully when she sustained a thigh injury while attempting 117kg in her final clean and jerk effort.
Now fully fit and carrying the confidence of another Commonwealth Games triumph, Mirabai has already begun laying the foundation for another medal bid. With the Asian Games fast approaching, India's most celebrated weightlifter will be hoping her latest chapter in Glasgow becomes the springboard for redemption on the continental stage.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, Mirabai's dedication is unmatched. But the Asian Games 49kg field is brutal—China's Hou Zhihui and North Korea's Kim Il-gyong are world beaters. Hope our coaches have a tactical plan for the snatch. Bhai log, we need more than just hard work; we need strategy.
It's inspiring how she bounced back after failing the first snatch. Many Indians would crumble under that pressure, but Mirabai has iron will. Keep going, champion! Manipur must be so proud. 🌟🏋️♀️
Respect for her recovery in Glasgow after the gold medal high. But honestly, we need to look at why she keeps failing first lifts in contests—might be a technical or mental block. Still, she's a legend for the nation. 🙏
Great to see this level of commitment. As someone who follows weightlifting here in the UK, I know how rare it is for champions to switch gears so quickly. Mirabai's work ethic is world-class. Good luck for the Asian Games!
Asian Games 2022 was heartbreaking—that injury on the final lift was painful to watch. She deserves this redemption arc. The whole country is behind you, Mirabai! Chalo, ab medal lana hai. 🤞🏆
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