Mirabai Chanu claimed gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Penang, Malaysia, with a stunning total lift of 193kg. The 31-year-old Olympic champion dominated the women’s 49kg category on January 11, 2026, lifting 88kg in snatch and 105kg in clean and jerk. This victory marks her strong comeback after injury setbacks.
Chanu’s performance outshone Malaysia’s Nuruuqmaiyah Zolkefli (172kg total) for silver and India’s own Sinku Kumari for bronze. Her 105kg jerk set a championship record, showcasing explosive power and precision honed under coach Vijay Sharma. Weighing in at 48.8kg, Chanu exceeded her personal best from the 2024 Paris Olympics (195kg total) in consistency.
The event, hosted at the SPICE Arena, drew top lifters from 20+ nations amid Commonwealth Games prep. Chanu’s win boosts India’s medal tally, following successes in Delhi 2022 and Birmingham 2022 where she grabbed golds. She now eyes the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, targeting 200kg total.
This triumph aligns with India’s weightlifting resurgence, backed by TOPS funding and SAI support. Chanu, from Manipur’s Imphal, overcame a 2023 back injury via rehab and strength training. Her dedication inspires young athletes, emphasizing mental resilience. As she said post-win, “This gold fuels my Paris redemption and bigger lifts ahead.”
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What was Mirabai Chanu’s total lift for gold?
She lifted 88kg in snatch and 105kg in clean & jerk for 193kg total in women’s 49kg, beating all rivals at Penang Championships.
2. Where and when did the event occur?
Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships at SPICE Arena, Penang, Malaysia, on January 11, 2026, with 20+ nations competing.
3. What records did she set?
Chanu’s 105kg clean & jerk was a championship record; her total nears Olympic best, showing peak form.
4. How does this impact her future goals?
Boosts prep for 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow; she aims for 200kg total and Olympic redemption.