When the barbell thumped onto the platform and the Ahmedabad audience exploded, it was evident that Mirabai Chanu had returned—not merely to compete, but to win. After over a year away from international action, India’s weightlifting superstar returned in breathtaking fashion at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, clinching gold with a combined lift of 193 kg in the women’s 48 kg category.
The performance wasn’t merely about numbers. It was about resilience, redemption, and the enduring spirit of an athlete who has repeatedly defied odds to remain among the world’s best. For Chanu, this gold medal was both a personal victory and a symbolic reminder of India’s rising stature in global weightlifting.
The Build-Up: From Paris Heartbreak to Ahmedabad Glory
To truly appreciate this win, one must rewind to the summer of 2024 in Paris. At the Olympic Games, Chanu had entered as one of India’s strongest medal hopes in weightlifting. Having secured silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, expectations were immense. But despite lifting a total of 199 kg (88 kg snatch + 111 kg clean & jerk), she finished just outside the medals in fourth place.
That narrow miss was followed by a long battle with injuries. Her right knee and left elbow—constant points of concern—forced her into rehabilitation and rest. For nearly a year, Chanu stayed away from competition, focusing instead on healing and recalibrating.
As if injuries weren’t enough, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) threw in another curveball: the 49 kg category, her Olympic division, was scrapped. That meant Chanu would have to readjust her body and strategy for the 48 kg category, where margins are even tighter.
When she arrived at Ahmedabad for the Commonwealth Championships in August 2025, few knew what to expect. Could she handle the weight adjustments? Would her body hold up? Would she still dominate as she once did? The answer, resoundingly, came on the competition floor.
The Snatch: A Test of Composure
The snatch is often described as the most technical of lifts—where timing, coordination, and precision matter as much as strength. Chanu’s first attempt was at 84 kg, a number already above the existing championship record of 80 kg.
She appeared to lift the bar successfully, locking it overhead, but moments later, the judges ruled it a no lift due to a slight imbalance in her left arm. The crowd fell silent; such early setbacks can rattle even the best.
But Mirabai is no stranger to adversity. She approached the bar again, calm and determined. On her second attempt at 84 kg, she made no mistake—holding steady, balanced, and composed. This time, the lift was flawless, and the crowd roared its approval. She had already broken the record.
On her third attempt, at 89 kg, she pushed for more. The barbell rose, but a twinge in her right knee threw her off balance, and the lift slipped away. Still, she walked off knowing she had done enough to establish control of the event.
The Clean & Jerk: Power and Precision
The clean and jerk is about pure strength combined with flawless execution, but the snatch is about skill. Chanu opened at 105 kg, clearing it without hesitation. Already, she had surpassed previous records.
Her second lift, at 109 kg, was the moment the arena will never forget. With unshakable focus, she cleaned the bar to her shoulders, steadied herself, and then thrust it overhead with every ounce of power she possessed. The lift stood, and with it, she rewrote history books yet again.
For her final attempt, she aimed for 113 kg, a massive number that would have cemented her dominance even further. The attempt was unsuccessful, but by then, the gold medal was hers, and the records were hers.
Her total of 193 kg (84 kg snatch + 109 kg clean & jerk) shattered previous Commonwealth Championship records across all divisions—snatch, clean & jerk, and overall total.
Her Own Reflections
After the victory, Chanu addressed the media with honesty and humility.
“This gold means a lot because it is my first international event after the Olympics and my first in the 48 kg category again. I wasn’t sure if I could still match the numbers, but today gave me confidence,” she said, smiling through a mix of relief and pride.
On her failed first snatch attempt, she admitted:
“I didn’t even know it was called a no lift. Later, I was told there was a problem with my left hand. These things happen, but I knew I could correct it in the next attempt.”
What stood out was her emphasis on the future:
“This victory gives me momentum for the World Championships in October. I’ll keep working hard to bring more glory to India.”
The Records She Smashed
Snatch: 84 kg (previous record: 80 kg)
Clean & Jerk: 109 kg (previous record: 105 kg)
Total: 193 kg (previous record: 185 kg)
These numbers are not just improvements—they’re commanding leaps that put her well ahead of the competition.
National Pride: India Celebrates
The win set off celebrations across the country.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was among the first to react, posting on social media:
“Champion Chanu! Congratulations to @mirabai_chanu on winning gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. You continue to inspire the nation.”
Her home state of Manipur, which has long celebrated her as a symbol of resilience, also rejoiced. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tweeted: “What an incredible comeback! Huge congratulations to our champion Mirabai Chanu for snagging gold with a record 193 kg. This is pride for Manipur and for India.”
Fans flooded social media with hashtags like #MirabaiChanu, #GoldenGirl, and #IndiaPride, turning her triumph into a trending topic. For many, her comeback resonated as much emotionally as it did athletically.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Chanu’s journey has always been a story of overcoming obstacles. Born in Nongpok Kakching, a small village in Manipur, she grew up carrying bundles of firewood—ironically, an early form of strength training.
Her rise to fame began when she won gold at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships, making her only the second Indian woman to achieve such a feat. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics cemented her place in history, as she became the first Indian weightlifter since Karnam Malleswari to win an Olympic medal, bringing home silver.
Yet, her path has been littered with injuries, each threatening to derail her career. Time and again, she has returned stronger. This latest triumph at the Commonwealth Championships is yet another chapter in her saga of perseverance.
What This Win Means for Indian Weightlifting
Chanu’s accomplishment benefits Indian weightlifting in general and goes beyond just being a personal achievement.
Inspiration for Youth: Her success continues to inspire young athletes, especially women, from small towns who dream of breaking into international sport.
Spotlight on the Sport: In a cricket-dominated country, her achievements bring much-needed attention to weightlifting.
Boost for Manipur’s Sporting Culture: Once again, Manipur proves itself as a cradle of champions, with Chanu standing as its brightest star.
Federation Support: Her victory will likely encourage greater investment and support from the government and sports federations, helping nurture the next generation.
Looking Ahead: The World Championships
Chanu’s next major challenge will be the World Championships in October 2025, where the field will be much more difficult. Nations like China, North Korea, and Thailand dominate world weightlifting, and Chanu will have to be at her absolute best to challenge them.
Her training team is expected to focus on:
Consistency in Snatch: Avoiding early misses.
Incremental Growth: Targeting a total closer to 200 kg, which could put her on par with the world’s best.
Injury Prevention: Ensuring her knee and elbow remain stable under pressure.
If she can carry her Ahmedabad form forward, India could once again see her on a global podium.
Beyond Medals: A Symbol of Determination
For millions of Indians, Chanu represents more than an athlete. She is a representation of tenacity—a reminder that little towns may become the sites of global aspirations, that failures are not fatalities, and that champions are characterized not just by their triumphs but also by their fortitude in rising above setbacks.
Her story resonates especially with young women, who see in her a role model breaking stereotypes and proving that weightlifting—a sport demanding immense grit—is not limited by gender or geography.
A Legacy in Motion
The gold medal at the Commonwealth Championships is not the final chapter in Mirabai Chanu’s career. If anything, it is a prologue to a grander return on the world stage. With records shattered and confidence restored, she has reignited hopes of more medals at the World Championships and beyond.
Her combined lift of 193 kg is more than just a number—it is a declaration that Mirabai Chanu remains one of the finest weightlifters of her generation.
From the firewood trails of Manipur to record-breaking platforms, she has lifted not only weights but also the hopes of a nation. And as she steps forward into the next phase of her journey, one thing is certain: with every lift, Mirabai Chanu is not just writing history—she is inspiring it.
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