Mirabai Chanu Urges Indian Weightlifting Team to Stay Calm Ahead of Commonwealth Games 2026
Chanu's Advice to the Team
In Glasgow, Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu has encouraged the Indian weightlifting squad to maintain their composure despite the pressures associated with the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2.
The weightlifting competitions will occur from July 26 to 30 at the SEC Armadillo venue.
Chanu, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, is set to compete in the women's 48kg category, where she has previously achieved notable success internationally.
The Indian weightlifting contingent for the Commonwealth Games 2026 also features Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Harjinder Kaur (69kg), Sanjana (77kg), and Martina Devi (+86kg) in the women's division, while the men's team includes Rishikanta Singh (60kg), M Raja (65kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg), Dilbag Singh (94kg), and Lovepreet Singh (+110kg).
Managing Pressure and Expectations
In a recent interview, Chanu acknowledged that the combination of first-time competitors and high expectations for medals can create additional stress. However, she emphasized the importance of focusing on training and performing to the best of their abilities, expressing confidence in the team's preparation.
She stated, "I advise the entire team to remain calm. Everyone experiences pressure, especially those competing for the first time. The newcomers feel it acutely, and with the expectations for more medals from weightlifting in India, the pressure is palpable. However, we will strive to set aside that pressure and perform as we have trained. A strong performance can lead to medals, but the outcome on the day remains uncertain. We will see how it unfolds, but the team is well-prepared and ready to give their all."
Encouragement for New Athletes
Chanu advises new athletes to approach the Commonwealth Games as they would any other competition, urging them to avoid unnecessary pressure. She encourages them to trust their training and compete with the same mindset they would bring to World or Asian Championships.
She explained, "Some athletes are new and lack extensive international experience. I remind them that the Games are just like any other competition. If they perceive them as different, it will only heighten their anxiety. We must compete as we do at every level, whether it's the Commonwealth, World, or Asian Championships. There's no need for extra pressure; we should focus on performing relaxed and confidently."
Chanu's Impressive Track Record
Chanu is one of India's most accomplished weightlifters, having secured three Commonwealth Games medals: gold in Gold Coast 2018 (48kg), gold in Birmingham 2022 (49kg), and silver in Glasgow 2014 (48kg).
A former world champion and Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, the 31-year-old last competed at the national championships in Modinagar in February, where she won the title in the 48kg category.
She missed the Asian Weightlifting Championships in May due to recovery from a shoulder injury sustained earlier this year.
Chanu will be joined by fellow Birmingham 2022 medalists Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur, competing in the women's 58kg and 69kg categories, respectively, both of whom earned silver medals in the last edition of the Games.
In the men's division, Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medalist Lovepreet Singh will lead India's efforts in the +110kg category.
Rishikanta, Ajaya, and Dilbag will be making their Commonwealth Games debuts in Glasgow.
India has a strong history in Commonwealth Games weightlifting, having ranked among the top nations in both Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, where Indian lifters collectively earned nine medals, including five golds.