Mirabai Chanu Makes History with Third Consecutive Gold at Commonwealth Games 2026
Mirabai Chanu's Historic Win
Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has made headlines by securing a remarkable gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 26. This achievement came just hours after fellow weightlifter Rishikant Singh earned a silver medal, adding to India's medal tally.
At 31 years old, Mirabai achieved her third consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, lifting a total of 190kg. She finished an impressive 22kg ahead of Nigeria's Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who took home the silver with a lift of 168kg, while Malaysia's Irene Jane Henry earned the bronze with a total of 165kg.
With this victory, Mirabai Chanu has become the first Indian athlete to defend her CWG gold medal twice, having previously won at the 2018 Gold Coast and the 2022 Birmingham editions, solidifying her status as one of India's greatest weightlifters.
Viral Photo from Tokyo Olympics Resurfaces
As Mirabai celebrated her gold medal win at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, an old photo from her 2021 Tokyo Olympics journey went viral, showcasing her incredible journey and the sacrifices she has made for her sport.
Chanu won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and received a warm welcome upon her return. However, what resonated with fans was the simplicity of her life, which starkly contrasted with her monumental achievements.
In the viral image, Mirabai is seen sitting on the floor of her modest home in Manipur, sharing a simple meal with her family after her Olympic success. The image, depicting her humble surroundings, has touched many hearts across the nation.
Mirabai's Sacrifices Highlighted
After her historic gold medal win, Mirabai Chanu spoke to reporters, revealing the physical challenges she faced during her weight management. Despite her exhaustion, she shared that she hadn't eaten for two days, emphasizing the sacrifices athletes endure to compete at the highest level.
"Jaldi jaldi karo, maine kuch khaaya nahi hai 2 din se," she told the reporters, showcasing her dedication and the extreme measures she takes to maintain her weight category.
Mirabai's commitment to her sport is evident as she navigated rigorous training and fasting to remain within the 48kg limit, ultimately achieving her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and reinforcing her legacy as one of India's top athletes.