Mirabai Chanu Wins India’s First Gold Medal at Commonwealth Games 2026

Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, becoming India’s first gold medallist at the Games. Her victory also completed a hat-trick of consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals, following her victories at the 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Mirabai Chanu’s Performance in Commonwealth Games 2026

Mirabai Chanu competed in the women’s 48 kg weightlifting event at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.

• She won the gold medal with a total lift of 190 kg, comprising 85 kg in the snatch and 105 kg in the clean and jerk.
• Mirabai Chanu defeated Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong by a margin of 22 kg. Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong won silver with a total of 168 kg and Malaysia’s Irene Jane Henry won bronze with 167 kg.
• This was Mirabai Chanu’s fourth Commonwealth Games medal overall. She won silver at Glasgow 2014 and gold at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. She is also a Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist.
• Her performance set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch, clean and jerk and overall total. 
• She failed her opening 82 kg snatch attempt after losing balance, but recovered to successfully lift 82 kg on her second attempt before producing a Games-record 85 kg lift on her third attempt.
• In the clean and jerk, she missed her opening 105 kg attempt but successfully lifted the weight on her second attempt to secure the gold medal.
• On the same day, India’s Rishikanta Singh won silver in the men’s 60 kg weightlifting event.

About Commonwealth Games 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Glasgow is hosting the Commonwealth Games for the second time, after previously hosting the event in 2014.

• Glasgow became the host after Victoria, Australia, withdrew from hosting the Games. Scotland was subsequently confirmed as the host in October 2024.
• The Games are being conducted in a compact and cost-conscious format, using existing sporting infrastructure within a limited geographical area rather than constructing major new venues.
• The sports programme includes 10 sports, including six fully integrated Para sports.
• The six Para sports integrated into the 2026 Commonwealth Games are Para Athletics, Para Swimming, Para Track Cycling, Para Powerlifting, Para Bowls and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball. 
• Around 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are participating.
• Key venues include the SEC Armadillo for weightlifting, Scotstoun Stadium for athletics and the SEC Centre for bowls.
• The Opening Ceremony was held at the OVO Hydro arena on 23 July 2026.
• The 2030 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad, India.

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