Mirabai Chanu scripted history by becoming only the third Indian athlete to win three consecutive individual Commonwealth Games gold medals. India also added a silver through Chanambam Rishikanta Singh in the men’s 60kg category.
BY PC Bureau
July 26: Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu produced another memorable performance on Sunday, winning India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a Games record in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event. Chanu lifted a combined 190 kg to clinch her third successive Commonwealth Games gold, reaffirming her status as one of India’s greatest weightlifters.
The 31-year-old dominated the competition from start to finish, setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with 85 kg before lifting 105 kg in the clean and jerk for a Games record total of 190 kg. Her commanding display left the rest of the field trailing and gave India its biggest moment of the Games so far.
The victory also places Mirabai in an exclusive club. She has now won three consecutive individual Commonwealth Games gold medals—at Gold Coast 2018, Birmingham 2022 and Glasgow 2026. She becomes only the third Indian athlete to achieve the feat, joining wrestling legends Sushil Kumar and Vinesh Phogat.
🚨 FIRST GOLD FOR INDIA AT THE GLASGOW COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2026!
Mirabai Chanu storms to India’s first gold medal of CWG 2026 with a dominant performance in the women’s 48kg weightlifting.
🥇 Gold Medal
Total: 190kg (85kg + 105kg)Snatch – 85kg
Clean & Jerk – 105kg
Total –… pic.twitter.com/lSXmyqXzUf— nnis Sports (@nnis_sports) July 26, 2026
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Earlier in the day, Chanambam Rishikanta Singh opened India’s account in weightlifting by securing the silver medal in the men’s 60kg category. His podium finish ensured India collected two medals from the weightlifting arena on Day 4, giving the contingent a significant boost in the overall standings.
India’s medal tally has continued to grow after an encouraging start to the Games. Before Sunday’s events, the country had already opened its account through Jhandu Kumar, who won bronze in para powerlifting. Mirabai’s gold and Rishikanta’s silver have now strengthened India’s position on the medals table, with more opportunities expected in boxing, gymnastics, athletics and other disciplines over the coming days.
Indian athletes will now look to build on the momentum generated by the weightlifters as several medal contenders remain in action later on Day 4. With boxing, wrestling, badminton and athletics set to gather pace in the coming days, India will be hoping that Mirabai’s record-breaking triumph sparks a sustained medal surge in Glasgow.
