Mirabai Chanu Creates History with Third CWG Gold; PM Modi Applauds Her Feat

Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu opened India's gold medal account at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in emphatic fashion, winning the women's 48kg weightlifting title. The Indian star not only completed a hat-trick of Commonwealth Games gold medals but also rewrote the record books with landmark lifts in both the snatch and clean and jerk.

Chanu completes Commonwealth Games hat-trick in style

Mirabai Chanu added another chapter to her illustrious career by winning her third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal after earlier triumphs in 2018 and 2022.

She laid the foundation for victory in the snatch event, where she lifted 85kg to establish a new Commonwealth record. In the clean and jerk, Chanu stumbled in her opening attempt at 82kg but bounced back immediately to clear the same weight in her second attempt.

The Olympic medallist then successfully lifted 85kg in her final scheduled attempt, setting a new Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth record. She capped off a memorable evening by lifting 105kg, comfortably securing the gold medal and handing India its first gold of the Glasgow 2026 Games.

The victory also made Chanu the first Indian athlete to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals in weightlifting.

Rishikanta Singh narrowly misses gold despite record snatch

Earlier in the competition, Chanambam Rishikanta Singh came close to winning gold in the men's event before eventually settling behind Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan.

Rishikanta finished with a combined total of 264kg, comprising a 121kg snatch and a 143kg clean and jerk. His 121kg snatch not only marked a personal best but also broke the Commonwealth Games snatch record. However, Kasdan matched the lift before producing a dominant clean and jerk display.

Kasdan lifted 145kg and 149kg to move into the lead before finishing with a Games record total of 273kg after a successful 152kg clean and jerk. Rishikanta needed 151kg on his final attempt to reclaim the lead but, despite completing the clean, could not lock out the jerk. Kenya's Joshua Mboya secured the bronze medal with a total of 260kg.

PM Modi hails Chanu

PM Narendra Modi hailed Chanu for her achievement as her Gold win came after compatriot Rishikanta Singh's silver medal in the men's 60kg event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Sunday.
In a post on X, PM Modi congratulated Mirabai Chanu on winning the gold medal, praising her consistency and calling her an inspiration after adding another Commonwealth Games medal to her illustrious career.
"Another glorious chapter in Indian Weightlifting! The talented Mirabai Chanu once again showcased her skills at the Commonwealth Games with a stunning performance in the 48 kg category and winning Gold. With back-to-back Commonwealth Games Golds and an overall fourth CWG medal to her name, she remains an inspiration for every Indian. Congratulations to her! Best wishes for the endeavours ahead. #CWG2026," he said.

(With inputs from ANI)