Mirabai Chanu Prioritizes Asian Games Over Commonwealth Games 2026

As the Commonwealth Games 2026 unfolds, star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu reveals her strategy of prioritizing the upcoming Asian Games. Despite her impressive track record, including Olympic and Commonwealth medals, she plans to conserve her energy for the Asian Games, where she aims to achieve a personal best. Chanu's decision not to exert full effort at the Commonwealth Games raises questions about her performance, but her focus remains clear. Discover more about her journey and aspirations as she prepares for the continental showdown.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 21:26 IST

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kicks Off with High Hopes

The Commonwealth Games 2026 has commenced with great enthusiasm, and India is aiming for a significant medal haul. Among the top contenders is renowned weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who is looking to secure her third gold medal after triumphing in 2018 and 2022. However, in a surprising announcement, the silver medalist from the 2020 Olympics stated that she will not exert herself fully during this event.

In an interview, Chanu revealed her strategy, emphasizing her commitment to the upcoming Asian Games 2026 scheduled for September-October. Consequently, she will refrain from attempting the challenging 90kg snatch during the Commonwealth Games, reserving her strength for the Asian Games. "I will not give my full effort in the Commonwealth Games. My focus is the Asian Games, which are very near. I am training according to that. So, my performance and effort here will depend on that plan," she explained.

Chanu acknowledged the unpredictability of performance on any given day but expressed confidence in her ability to achieve the 90kg mark at the Asian Games. "You can’t really predict how the body will perform on a given day but I will try to get 90kg in the Asian Games for sure," she added.

Mirabai Chanu Aims for Asian Games Success

Having achieved remarkable success in weightlifting, including an Olympic silver medal, two Commonwealth golds, and three World Championship titles, Chanu has yet to claim a medal at the Asian Games. This motivates her to conserve her energy for the continental competition, which kicks off on September 19. Mirabai Chanu is set to compete in her event on July 27 at 6:30 PM.