Mirabai Chanu Shines with Silver at Asian Games 2026
Celebrating Mirabai Chanu's Achievement
On September 23, President Droupadi Murmu extended her heartfelt congratulations to Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu for securing a silver medal in the women's 49 kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. The President highlighted Chanu's journey as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
In a post shared on X, the President praised Chanu's remarkable accomplishments in various international competitions, emphasizing that her success serves as a motivational beacon for younger generations. "I offer my warmest congratulations to Mirabai Chanu for winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting event at the Asian Games 2026. This marks India's return to weightlifting medals at the Asian Games after a 28-year gap. Your achievements at prestigious events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships are truly inspiring," the post stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to commend Chanu, stating, "A special Silver for @mirabai_chanu! Congratulations on winning the medal in the Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting event. Her determination and consistency continue to inspire the nation. India is proud of her. Best wishes for her future endeavors: PM @narendramodi."
Chanu's silver medal was earned with a combined lift of 198 kg, marking her first medal at the Asian Games and ending a long wait for a podium finish at this continental competition. The Olympic medalist successfully completed all three of her snatch attempts, lifting 83 kg, 85 kg, and 87 kg.
In the clean and jerk segment, she began with a lift of 107 kg and followed up with a successful 111 kg in her second attempt, culminating in a total lift of 198 kg. North Korea's Ri Song Gum took home the gold with a total lift of 215 kg, while Wijayana secured the bronze.
This silver medal adds another significant achievement to Chanu's illustrious career. As a silver medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a three-time Commonwealth Games champion, she has become the second Indian weightlifter, after Karnam Malleshwari, to earn medals at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Asian Championships, and Commonwealth Championships.
Previously, Chanu narrowly missed out on an Asian Games medal in Hangzhou in 2023 due to an injury that forced her to withdraw from her final clean and jerk attempt, leaving her in fourth place. The 32-year-old athlete entered the Aichi-Nagoya Games following her gold medal win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, further enriching her medal collection.
Hailing from Nongpok Kakching in Manipur, Chanu began her formal weightlifting training in 2008. Rising from modest beginnings, she has become one of India's most celebrated athletes, inspiring a new generation of weightlifters.
As of now, India has amassed a total of 11 medals at the Games, including one gold, five silver, and five bronze, placing the country 12th in the overall standings.