Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold in Weightlifting at Commonwealth Games 2026

Summary

Star Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal in the women's 49kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, lifting a combined total that secured India's first weightlifting gold of the Games. This extends her dominant run in the category at the Commonwealth Games.

Background

The Commonwealth Games weightlifting competition has traditionally been one of India's strongest medal sources. Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic silver medallist (Tokyo 2020) and World Champion, has been India's flagship weightlifter for nearly a decade.

Previous Developments

Mirabai Chanu previously won CWG gold at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 in the same weight category, along with an Olympic silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games and a gold at the 2022 World Championships.

TNPSC Relevance

Sportspersons' achievements at multilateral games such as the Commonwealth Games, along with India's medal tally trends, are commonly tested in TNPSC Group 4 and VAO current affairs sections.

Key Highlights

• Mirabai Chanu won gold in the women's 49kg weightlifting category at CWG 2026, Glasgow.
• This continues her streak of CWG gold medals in the same category since 2018.
• She is a Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist and 2022 World Champion in weightlifting.

Important Facts

Timeline

• 2018 - Gold at Gold Coast CWG
• 2020 - Silver at Tokyo Olympics
• 2022 - Gold at Birmingham CWG; Gold at World Championships
• 27 July 2026 - Gold at Glasgow CWG

Static GK Links

• List of Indian Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists in weightlifting
• 23rd Commonwealth Games, 2026, Glasgow

Exam Notes & Memorization Points

Remember: Mirabai Chanu - 49kg category; CWG gold at Gold Coast 2018, Birmingham 2022, Glasgow 2026; Olympic silver Tokyo 2020.

TNPSC Practice MCQs

1. Mirabai Chanu, who won gold at CWG 2026, competes in which weight category?

   • A. 45kg
   • B. 49kg
   • C. 55kg
   • D. 59kg

   Answer: B. 49kg
   Explanation: She has consistently competed and won in the women's 49kg category across multiple Games.

2. At which Olympic Games did Mirabai Chanu win a silver medal?

   • A. Rio 2016
   • B. Tokyo 2020
   • C. London 2012
   • D. Paris 2024

   Answer: B. Tokyo 2020
   Explanation: She won India's first weightlifting Olympic medal in decades at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

3. Mirabai Chanu hails from which Indian state?

   • A. Manipur
   • B. Mizoram
   • C. Assam
   • D. Tripura

   Answer: A. Manipur
   Explanation: She is from Manipur, a state known for producing several top Indian weightlifters.