Mirabai Chanu to Lead Indian Weightlifting Team at Commonwealth Games 2026
Mirabai Chanu's Leadership Role
Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu has been appointed as the captain of the Indian weightlifting team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, as reported by Olympics.com.
Chanu, a two-time gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, will compete in the women's 48kg category, where she has previously achieved remarkable success on the global stage.
Chanu's Impressive Track Record
As one of India's most accomplished weightlifters, Mirabai Chanu has secured three medals at the Commonwealth Games: gold in Gold Coast 2018 (48kg), gold in Birmingham 2022 (49kg), and silver in Glasgow 2014 (48kg).
The 31-year-old, who is also a former world champion and an Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, last participated in the national championships held in Modinagar in February, where she won the title in the 48kg category.
She did not compete in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in May due to recovery from a shoulder injury sustained earlier this year.
Squad Overview
Joining Chanu are fellow Birmingham 2022 medalists Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur, who will compete in the women's 58kg and 69kg categories, respectively. Both athletes earned silver medals in the last edition of the Games.
In the men's category, Lovepreet Singh, who won bronze at the Commonwealth Games 2022, will lead India's efforts in the +110kg division. Rishikanta Singh (60kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg), and Dilbag Singh (94kg) will be making their debuts at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Event Schedule and India's Performance
The weightlifting competitions at the Commonwealth Games 2026 are set to occur from July 26 to 30 at the SEC Armadillo. India has a strong history in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games, consistently ranking among the top nations, with Indian lifters winning nine medals, including five golds, in both Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
Complete Indian Weightlifting Team for CWG 2026
The Indian weightlifting squad for the Commonwealth Games 2026 includes:
- Women: Mirabai Chanu (48kg), Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Harjinder Kaur (69kg), Sanjana (77kg), Martina Devi (+86kg)
- Men: Rishikanta Singh (60kg), M Raja (65kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg), Dilbag Singh (94kg), Lovepreet Singh (+110kg)