Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu delivered a record-breaking performance to claim the gold medal at the 2026 National Weightlifting Championship, held in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Competing in the 48kg category, Chanu broke three national records, showcasing her dominance in the sport.
Record-Breaking Performance
The 31-year-old lifted 89kg in the snatch and 116kg in the clean and jerk, bringing her total to an astonishing 205kg. Radha Soni of the All India Police claimed silver with a total of 183kg, while Komal Kohar secured the bronze. Chanu’s achievement marks national records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total for the 48kg category.
Her total of 205kg surpasses the 199kg she lifted to win gold at the 2025 World Championship by six kilograms, and also exceeds her personal best from the 2021 Asian Championship, where she competed in the 49kg category.
Looking Ahead: 90kg Lift Goal
After winning gold, Chanu told PTI, “I am very happy. Achieving this result in the 48kg category, after previously competing in 49kg, is a big boost for my confidence. My next goal is to cross the 90kg mark. Today I tried but my training was not yet complete. Once my training is in full swing, I am confident I can lift 90kg.”
Chanu won silver for India in the 49kg category at the Tokyo Olympics and narrowly missed a medal in 2024, finishing fourth. With the 49kg category subsequently removed, she has now shifted her focus to the 48kg category, continuing to dominate Indian weightlifting.
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