Mirabai Chanu wins India's first gold at Commonwealth Games 2026
- Mirabai Chanu clinched India's first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in weightlifting.
- The lifter overcame a severe weight cut, going without food for two days before the event.
- Her victory was marked by record-breaking lifts, continuing her legacy as one of India's greatest weightlifters.
Historic Lift in Glasgow
Mirabai Chanu has done it again. The 31-year-old weightlifter from Manipur powered her way to India's first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Monday. Her performance was nothing short of dominant, breaking Games records in the process.
Chanu, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, added another chapter to her storied career. She lifted a combined total that left competitors struggling to keep pace.
The Price of Gold
But the gold came at a cost. Chanu revealed she went without food for two days leading up to the event to meet weight-class requirements. 'I haven't eaten for 2 days,' she told reporters after the win. The weight cut is a brutal ritual many lifters endure, stripping precious energy just before the most important lifts of their lives.
Her family back in Manipur watched nervously. A simple home with a white marble temple and a trophy shelf stood as a backdrop to the celebration. That shelf now has space for another glittering prize.
Record-Breaking Performance
Chanu's lifts in the snatch and clean-and-jerk were clinical. She executed each movement with the precision that has defined her career. The Games record now belongs to her, a mark that could stand for years.
Her victory was the highlight of Day 5 for India. The country's medal tally received a massive boost, and the weightlifting contingent drew inspiration from her performance.
Team India Momentum
On the same day, boxer Sachin Siwach stormed into the men's 60kg quarterfinals. The Indian contingent is finding its rhythm. Chanu's gold has set the tone for the remainder of the Games.
For Chanu, this win is deeply personal. She had faced questions about her form and fitness after a relatively quiet 2025 season. The Glasgow gold answers every doubt.
What Comes Next
With one gold secured, India will look to build on this momentum. Events in athletics, shooting, and wrestling are still to come. Chanu's record-breaking lift will be the benchmark for the rest of the team.
For now, the focus remains on Glasgow. But eyes will soon turn to the next Olympic cycle, where Chanu will aim to complete her collection.