CWG 2026: Mirabai Chanu Wins Third Straight Weightlifting Gold; Sets Commonwealth Games Record With 190kg Lift

Indian weightlifter won the Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026. It was the third consecutive Gold medal for Mirabai Chanu at the CWG. In this edition, the Indian weightlifter lifted a total of 190 kg in the final (85 kg snatch + 105 kg clean & jerk). After a shaky start with an initial missed attempt, she recovered brilliantly to lift 85 kg on her final attempt. This shattered the Commonwealth Games records.

The silver medal went to Irene Henry of Malaysia. She finished behind Chanu with a total lift of 161 kg (73kg Snatch + 88kg Clean & Jerk). On the other hand, the bronze medal went to Nikole Roberts of Wales. The Welsh weightlifter secured the final podium spot with a total lift of 150 kg (70kg Snatch + 80kg Clean & Jerk).

Strategic Decision To Preserve Chanu For Asiad

Chanu once again showcased why she remains one of India’s greatest weightlifters. She entered the competition after every other lifter had completed their snatch attempts. Normally, the pressure of the lifts usually takes a toll on the weightlifters, but she recovered brilliantly after missing her opening lift of 82kg. She composed herself to clear the weight on her second attempt before setting a new Games and Commonwealth record with a stunning 85kg lift on her final snatch.

The clean and jerk followed a ditto script, with the Indian weightlifter missing her opening attempt of 105 kg. However, she bounced back immediately to complete the lift on her second try, effectively sealing the gold medal. But on her second attempt, she finished lift in her second attempt itself.

Interestingly, once the gold medal was secured, she and national coach Vijay Sharma opted against attempting a third clean and jerk lift. The decision was strategic, with the coaching staff prioritising her long-term fitness and preserving energy ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year, where Chanu will target a long-awaited podium finish.

‘Mirabai Chanu’: The New Name For Consistency

One of India’s most accomplished weightlifters, Chanu has consistently excelled on the global stage with an impressive collection of medals and top finishes. She won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 before narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Her success has extended to the World Weightlifting Championships, where she secured silver medals in both 2022 and 2025. She also claimed gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and added another silver at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, underlining her remarkable consistency and world-class credentials.