Mirabai Chanu Withdraws from Asian Weightlifting Championships Due to Injury

Mirabai Chanu, India's celebrated Olympic silver medalist, has announced her withdrawal from the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 due to ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury. This decision comes just before the event, which is set to take place in Gandhinagar. Chanu's absence marks the third consecutive championships she will miss, as her team prioritizes her health ahead of a busy competition schedule later this year. In her place, Komal Kohar will represent India in the women's 48kg category, as the country fields a strong 16-member team for the championships.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 02:00 IST

Mirabai Chanu's Absence at the Asian Championships

New Delhi [India] - May 11: Mirabai Chanu, India's Olympic silver medalist, will not participate in the upcoming Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 as she continues to recover from a shoulder injury. This news comes as a setback for the host nation just days before the event kicks off on Monday.

The championships are set to take place from May 11 to 17 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, where Chanu was anticipated to make her return to the international stage.

However, the Indian team has opted to prioritize her health over a hasty comeback, especially with a busy international schedule ahead, as reported by Olympics.com.

Chanu, who earned a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, last competed at the national championships in Modinagar in February. Despite her shoulder issues, she showcased her resilience by winning gold in the women's 48kg category.

The 31-year-old has been dealing with ongoing fitness challenges since sustaining a hip injury during the Asian Games in Hangzhou 2023. Her team has chosen a careful strategy to ensure she achieves full recovery before major competitions later this year, including the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

This marks the third consecutive Asian Championships that Chanu will miss due to injury. Her last participation in the continental event was in 2023 in Jinju, South Korea, where she placed sixth overall.

Chanu is one of India's most accomplished weightlifters, having secured an overall bronze at the 2020 Asian Championships and setting a then-world record by lifting 119kg in the clean and jerk to win gold. She also earned a bronze medal in the clean and jerk at the 2019 championships.

In her absence, Komal Kohar will compete for India in the women's 48kg category. The Indian contingent will consist of 16 athletes, with eight male and eight female lifters participating in the continental championships.