Indian Weightlifting Star Becomes First Woman to Win Three Consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold Medals
India’s Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first female weightlifter to win three consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. The Manipur-born athlete achieved the remarkable feat after dominating the women’s 48kg category at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on July 26.
The victory further cements Mirabai’s status as one of India’s greatest weightlifters and one of the most successful athletes in Commonwealth Games history.
Dominant Performance Seals Historic Victory
Heading into the competition, Mirabai Chanu was the overwhelming favourite, and she lived up to expectations with another commanding display of strength and consistency.
She not only secured the gold medal comfortably but also rewrote the record books by setting new Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games records in the snatch event. In addition, she established fresh Commonwealth Games records in both the clean and jerk and overall total lift, underlining her complete dominance in the competition.
A Golden Journey Across Three Commonwealth Games
Mirabai’s Commonwealth Games success story began in Gold Coast 2018, where she won her maiden gold medal with a total lift of 196kg, including 86kg in the snatch and 110kg in the clean and jerk. Her performance set new Commonwealth Games records in all three categories while also registering personal bests.
She successfully defended her title at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, this time competing in the 49kg category. Mirabai improved on her previous performance by lifting a combined 201kg, comprising 88kg in the snatch and 113kg in the clean and jerk. Once again, she broke her own Commonwealth Games records in every category.
Now, with her latest triumph in Glasgow, she has completed an unprecedented hat-trick of Commonwealth Games gold medals, becoming the first woman ever to achieve the milestone in weightlifting.
Full Circle at Glasgow
Mirabai’s latest victory carries added emotional significance. It was in Glasgow 2014 that she won her first Commonwealth Games medal—a silver in the women’s 48kg category. On that occasion, fellow Indian weightlifter Sanjita Chanu claimed the gold medal.
Twelve years later, Mirabai returned to the same city and transformed that early success into one of the greatest achievements of her career by standing atop the podium once again.
A Record-Breaking Year Continues
The Commonwealth Games gold is another highlight in what has already been an outstanding year for Mirabai Chanu.
Earlier this year, at the Senior National Weightlifting Championships, she created three new national records. She lifted 89kg in the snatch and 116kg in the clean and jerk, recording a career-best total of 205kg, further proving that she remains at the peak of her career.
Comfortable Win Over Closest Rival
Mirabai’s superiority was evident throughout the competition. Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong finished with the silver medal after registering a total lift of 168kg, which left her 22kg behind the Indian champion.
The massive winning margin highlighted Mirabai’s unmatched consistency and dominance on the international stage.
Mirabai Chanu Continues to Inspire Indian Sports
With three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals, an Olympic silver medal, multiple national records, and several international titles to her name, Mirabai Chanu has firmly established herself as one of India’s finest sporting icons.
Her latest historic achievement not only adds another golden chapter to Indian weightlifting but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the country, proving that dedication, discipline, and perseverance can create sporting history.