Indian weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu has reflected on the challenges she overcame to secure her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, describing the achievement as one of the biggest milestones of her career. The Olympic silver medallist said injuries, intense training and strict weight management made the journey to Glasgow 2026 particularly demanding.
Historic Hat-Trick of Commonwealth Golds
Mirabai Chanu cemented her place among India’s greatest weightlifters by winning her third Commonwealth Games gold medal, clinching the women’s 48kg title at the Glasgow 2026 Games.
The victory adds to her previous Commonwealth gold medals in 2018 (48kg) and 2022 (49kg), making her one of India’s most successful athletes in the history of the Games.
Battling Injuries and Weight Management
Speaking after her victory, Mirabai said the road to Glasgow was far from easy, with injuries, physical setbacks and maintaining competition weight posing major challenges.
Competing in the 48kg category required strict weight management while continuing high-intensity training, something she described as one of the toughest aspects of her preparation.
Despite the difficulties, she said winning another gold medal for India made every sacrifice worthwhile and reaffirmed her determination to continue competing at the highest level.
Eyes Set on Asian Games
Mirabai said she is now focused on preparing for the Asian Games, where she hopes to complete her medal collection by winning a medal at one of the few major international events missing from her already decorated career.
Her achievements already include an Olympic silver medal, a World Championship gold, two additional World Championship medals and an Asian Championship bronze, making her one of India’s most accomplished weightlifters.
Warm Reception Motivates Athletes
The Indian star also thanked the country for the support athletes receive after returning from international competitions, saying the recognition and encouragement motivate sportspersons to perform even better.
Mirabai said she approached the 2026 Commonwealth Games knowing every opportunity to compete at the event is special and wanted to make the most of it.
India Looks Ahead to CWG 2030
India concluded the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze, finishing fourth in the overall standings.
During the closing ceremony, the Commonwealth Games flag was officially handed over to India as Ahmedabad prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the return of the event to the country after two decades.
The Government has stated that preparations for the centenary edition will include world-class sporting infrastructure and efforts to restore traditional Commonwealth sports while aiming for India’s strongest-ever medal performance.
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