Mirabai Chanu Shines with Silver at Asian Games 2026

Mirabai Chanu has made history by winning a silver medal in the women's 49 kg weightlifting category at the Asian Games 2026. This achievement marks her first medal at the Asian Games, following a series of impressive lifts. Celebrated by prominent figures including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and IOC President PT Usha, Chanu's success is a testament to her dedication and resilience. With this victory, she not only ends a 28-year wait for India in weightlifting at the Asian Games but also inspires a new generation of athletes. Discover more about her remarkable journey and the significance of this achievement.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2026, 23:56 IST

Celebrating Mirabai Chanu's Achievement

New Delhi, September 23: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha extended their heartfelt congratulations to Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu for clinching a silver medal in the women's 49 kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.

Chanu marked her first Asian Games medal with a total lift of 198 kg, finally achieving a podium finish at this prestigious event. The Olympic medalist successfully completed all three of her snatch attempts, lifting weights of 83 kg, 85 kg, and 87 kg.

In the clean and jerk segment, she began with a lift of 107 kg and followed up with a successful 111 kg in her second attempt, culminating in her total of 198 kg.

In a message on X, Amit Shah expressed, “Mirabai Chanu elevates India’s pride! Congratulations on securing the Silver Medal in Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting at #AsianGames2026. Your incredible achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. May success always illuminate your journey.”

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also took to X to commend Mirabai, stating, “Heartfelt congratulations to @mirabai_chanu for winning Silver in the Women’s 49kg Weightlifting event at the Asian Games 2026. With strength in every lift and unwavering determination, Mirabai has brought Indian weightlifting back to the Asian Games podium after 28 years. A champion’s lift. Well done, Mirabai!”

PT Usha, the IOC President, described Mirabai’s performance as a proud moment, highlighting her determination, resilience, and dedication to the sport. “It’s a very special and proud moment for me to witness Mirabai Chanu win Silver for India. Your journey continues to inspire countless young athletes across the nation. Congratulations and great job,” she remarked on X.

Shikhar Dhawan also shared his excitement, saying, “What a moment, @mirabai_chanu! Finally, an Asian Games medal to add to your remarkable career, ending India’s 28-year wait in weightlifting. Take a bow!”

North Korea’s Ri Song Gum took home the gold with a total lift of 215 kg, while Wijayana secured the bronze. This silver medal adds another significant achievement to Chanu’s illustrious career. She is a Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist and a three-time Commonwealth Games champion, becoming the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleshwari to earn medals at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Asian Championships, and Commonwealth Championships.

Chanu narrowly missed an Asian Games podium finish in Hangzhou in 2023 due to an injury that forced her to withdraw from her final clean and jerk attempt, leaving her in fourth place.

The 32-year-old athlete entered the Aichi-Nagoya Games following her gold medal win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, further enriching her medal collection.

Hailing from Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, Chanu began her formal weightlifting training in 2008. She has risen from modest beginnings to become one of India’s most celebrated athletes, inspiring a new generation of weightlifters.