Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu opened India's gold medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by claiming her third consecutive gold medal on Sunday, July 26. The Olympic medallist topped the podium with a combined lift of 190kg, comprising 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk.
The 31-year-old also became the second Indian weightlifter, after Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, to win a medal on Sunday. Chanu set a new Games and Commonwealth record in the snatch event before lifting 105kg in the clean and jerk to establish another Games record and secure her fourth Commonwealth Games medal.
DOMINANT DISPLAY IN GLASGOW
Mirabai entered the competition as the overwhelming favourite. While her rivals battled for podium positions, the Indian lifter only needed clean executions in the snatch and clean and jerk to comfortably seal the gold medal.
Ahead of the event, Chanu had stressed that her priority remained the Asian Games, scheduled two months later, and that she would avoid taking unnecessary risks in Glasgow.
As the final lifter to take the stage, Mirabai's opening snatch attempt was unsuccessful, but she remained composed. After a brief discussion with her coaches, she returned to successfully lift 82kg, breaking the previous record and drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
She then raised the weight to 85kg and executed the lift with ease, setting new Commonwealth and Games records. She surpassed the existing Games record of 79kg in the category and also bettered her own Commonwealth record of 84kg, set in Ahmedabad last year.
In the clean and jerk, Mirabai targeted 105kg from the outset. Nigeria's Ruth Nyong had managed 93kg, meaning a successful lift from the Indian would guarantee the gold medal.
Like the snatch event, Chanu's first attempt at 105kg was ruled invalid. However, she quickly regrouped and returned with renewed determination.
This time, her focus was evident as she approached the bar with confidence. She completed the clean smoothly before driving the weight overhead with complete control. The judges awarded a successful lift, the crowd erupted in celebration, and Chanu's trademark smile returned as she confirmed another Commonwealth Games gold.
ASIAN GAMES REMAIN THE MAIN TARGET
Despite her dominant performance, Mirabai has repeatedly stated that her biggest objective is winning a medal at the upcoming Asian Games.
The veteran weightlifter said her campaign in Glasgow was carefully planned to ensure it would not affect her preparations for the Asian Games in September.
"I will not give my full effort in the Commonwealth Games. My focus is the Asian Games, which are very near. I am training according to that. So my performance and effort here will depend on that plan," Chanu had said before competing in Glasgow.
Based on Sunday's commanding display, the long-awaited Asian Games medal now appears well within reach for the Manipur star.
