Mirabai Chanu to Lead Indian Weightlifting Team at Commonwealth Games 2026

Mirabai Chanu has been named the leader of the Indian weightlifting team for the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Competing in the women's 48kg category, she aims to add to her impressive medal tally. Joining her are fellow medallists from Birmingham 2022 and new competitors making their debuts. The weightlifting events will take place from July 26 to 30, and India looks to continue its strong performance in this sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 08:16 IST

Mirabai Chanu Heads to Commonwealth Games 2026

New Delhi, June 27: Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu has been appointed as the captain of the Indian weightlifting team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, as reported by a sports news outlet.

The accomplished athlete, who has secured two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, will participate in the women's 48kg division, a category where she has previously excelled internationally.

Chanu, recognized as one of India's top weightlifters, boasts three Commonwealth Games medals: gold in Gold Coast 2018 (48kg), gold in Birmingham 2022 (49kg), and silver in Glasgow 2014 (48kg).

At 31 years old, she is also a former world champion and won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her last competition was at the national championships in Modinagar in February, where she triumphed in the 48kg category.

Although she missed the Asian Weightlifting Championships in May due to recovery from a shoulder injury, she is now set to compete.

Joining her are fellow medallists from Birmingham 2022, Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur, who will compete in the women's 58kg and 69kg categories, respectively, both having earned silver medals in the last Games.

On the men's side, Lovepreet Singh, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022, will lead India's efforts in the +110kg category.

Newcomers Rishikanta Singh (60kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg), and Dilbag Singh (94kg) will make their debuts at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The weightlifting competitions are scheduled to occur from July 26 to 30 at the SEC Armadillo.

India has a strong history in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games, having ranked among the top nations in recent editions, including Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, where Indian athletes secured nine medals, five of which were gold.

India's weightlifting team for the Commonwealth Games 2026 includes:

Women: Mirabai Chanu (48kg), Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Harjinder Kaur (69kg), Sanjana (77kg), Martina Devi (+86kg)

Men: Rishikanta Singh (60kg), M Raja (65kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg), Dilbag Singh (94kg), Lovepreet Singh (+110kg).