Image Source: Times of India
Olympic medallist and former world champion Mirabai Chanu marked a victorious comeback by winning the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 held in Ahmedabad. This achievement not only reinforces her legacy but also secures her direct qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Key Highlights of Mirabai’s Championship Win
Mirabai lifted a total of 193kg, with 84kg in the snatch and 109kg in the clean and jerk, to top the podium.
This competition marked her first outing since finishing fourth in the 49kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The snatch lift was successful on her second attempt after missing the first at 84kg, while she attempted 87kg on the third try without success.
In the clean and jerk, she lifted 105kg on her first attempt, improved to 109kg on the second, and attempted 113kg in her final lift but couldn’t complete it.
Mirabai competed in the newly introduced 48kg category after the International Weightlifting Federation revised weight divisions, discontinuing her previous 49kg class.
Her total lift of 193kg belongs to a category with strong historical performances, including her personal best 205kg in the former 49kg division.
India’s Soumya Sunil Dalvi secured silver with a total of 177kg, while Nigeria’s Ruth Asouquo Nyong took bronze with 167kg.
Mirabai’s Journey and Significance of the Win
The 31-year-old from Manipur has been a trailblazer in Indian weightlifting with multiple honors, including gold at the 2017 World Championships and 2018 Commonwealth Games in the 48kg division.
This gold medal marks her fifth at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, having won golds in 2013, 2017, 2019, and silver in 2015.
The championship served as a qualifier for next year’s Commonwealth Games, making her victory doubly significant.
Mirabai’s performance, albeit below her personal best, is valued as a strong comeback after a challenging year adjusting to new weight categories.
Her coach Vijay Sharma highlighted this meet as a test event and expressed optimism to breach previous records at the upcoming World Championships in Norway.
Other Indian Champions Shine
Mirabai’s gold inspired a stellar showing by the Indian team in Ahmedabad, with several young lifters capturing titles in different categories.
Dharmajyoti Dewgharia claimed gold in the men’s 56kg youth division, setting Commonwealth youth records by lifting a total of 224kg.
Preetismita Bhoi dominated the youth women’s 48kg category with a total lift of 166kg, also setting new records.
Former youth world champion Preetismita Bhoi won the youth 44kg women’s category with a total of 150kg.
Impact on Indian Weightlifting and Future Prospects
Mirabai Chanu’s win revitalizes India’s weightlifting scene ahead of major global events. Her leadership and the rise of promising youth athletes speak to a bright future for the sport nationally.
Preparations are underway for the World Championships beginning in October 2025, where Mirabai aims to lift a combined total of 200kg or more.
The success in Ahmedabad also strengthens India’s medal prospects for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The team’s overall performance consolidates India’s position as a strong contender in international weightlifting circuits.
Concluding Remarks: A Symbol of Resilience and Excellence
Mirabai Chanu’s gold medal victory at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships represents not just physical strength but remarkable resilience and adaptation in the face of evolving challenges. Her journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes across India and highlights the nation's growing prowess in global sports arenas.
Sources: Olympics.com, The Hindu Businessline, New Indian Express, NDTV, Indian Express
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