Glasgow, 27 July 2026: India’s weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu scripted history by winning her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women’s 48kg event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, further cementing her legacy as one of the nation’s greatest athletes.
The Olympic silver medallist lifted a total of 190kg—85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk to secure India’s first weightlifting gold of the Games. Her 85kg snatch also established a new Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth record.
The victory marks Chanu’s third straight Commonwealth Games title after her gold medal triumphs at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. Earlier in the day, Rishikanta Singh had opened India’s weightlifting campaign with a silver medal in the men’s 60kg event.
Following her historic victory, an emotional Mirabai revealed that she had made butterfly hair clips decorated with ribbons in the colours of the Indian flag the previous night as a special tribute to the nation.
“I wanted to do something for India, so I made these butterfly clips with Indian flag-coloured ribbons last night. Seeing the flag and hearing our National Anthem just makes tears flow naturally. They were tears of joy because I had won the first gold medal for India in this Commonwealth Games. I want to thank all the people of India for praying so earnestly for me. Those were tears of happiness,” she said.
Back home in Manipur, Mirabai’s mother, Mothe Saikhom Ongbi Tombi Leima (Tombi Devi), shared an emotional account of watching her daughter’s performance. She admitted that she was filled with anxiety throughout the competition but felt immense relief as Mirabai steadily increased her lead.
“I was extremely happy when she won the gold medal, but while she was competing, my heart was filled with tension. As her points kept increasing and she moved ahead, all my worries disappeared,” Tombi Devi said.
She also revealed that she had spoken to Mirabai over a video call just before the event, blessing and encouraging her to compete fearlessly.
“She told me she was about to enter the competition. I blessed her and told her to give her best, be confident, and emerge victorious.”
Expressing hope for the future, Tombi Devi said she is now praying for her daughter to achieve the ultimate dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.
“As her mother, I pray to God with all my heart that she wins gold at the next Olympics. She never gives up and always keeps fighting until she succeeds. That determination gives me hope.”
Mirabai Chanu’s remarkable achievement has once again filled the nation with pride, while her mother’s heartfelt words have highlighted the unwavering family support behind one of India’s greatest sporting champions.
