Mirabai Chanu Shines Again at Commonwealth Games 2026
Historic Achievements at the Commonwealth Games
Mirabai Chanu (left), Rishikanta Singh (Right)
Imphal, July 27: Manipur has once again established itself as a dominant force in Indian weightlifting during the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow. Olympic silver medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu achieved a remarkable feat by winning her third consecutive gold medal, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh earned a silver medal with a record-setting performance, resulting in a memorable double podium finish for India.
At the women's 48kg event, Mirabai, aged 31, set new Commonwealth Games records by lifting 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk, culminating in a total of 190kg.
This victory marks her third gold at the Commonwealth Games, following her wins at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, and brings her total medal count to four, including a silver from Glasgow 2014.
Mirabai showcased her strength throughout the competition, finishing 22kg ahead of Nigeria's Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who secured silver with a total lift of 168kg. After a shaky start with a missed attempt at 82kg, she rebounded impressively to clinch the title.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mirabai, calling her achievement "another glorious chapter in Indian weightlifting." He praised her stunning performance in the 48kg category and expressed his best wishes for her future endeavors.
In the men's 60kg category, Rishikanta also made headlines by winning silver and setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a lift of 121kg. His total lift of 264kg secured India's second medal and first silver of the Games.
Hailing from Ngairangbam Makha Maning Leikai in Imphal West district, the 25-year-old is a former student of the National Sports Academy, Khuman Lampak, and currently participates in the Indian Army's sports program. This was his second appearance at the Commonwealth Games, having previously competed in Birmingham 2022, and he qualified for Glasgow by winning gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
The duo's success has ignited celebrations throughout Manipur, with political leaders and sports fans praising them for bringing pride to both the state and the nation.