Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship

Why in the news ? 

Recently, India’s star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship held in Ahmedabad. With this victory, she also directly qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Key Achievements:

• New Records:
  • Snatch – 84 kg
  • Clean & Jerk – 109 kg
  • Total – 193 kg
• She set new Commonwealth Championship records in all three lifts.
• Won the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg weight category.
• This victory marked her triumphant return to competitive sports.

Historical Context:

• Mirabai Chanu has previously brought several laurels to India.
• She won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, enhancing India’s international reputation.
• She has also been a prominent medalist for India in Commonwealth and Asian Games.

About the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship:

• Location: Ahmedabad, India
• Year: 2025
• Ahmedabad hosted this prestigious championship for the first time.

Significance:

• Qualifier for Commonwealth Games:
  • This championship served as a direct qualification event for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
• Hosting by India:
  • The event showcased India’s capability in hosting international sporting events.
• Records and Achievements:
  • Many weightlifters set new records.
  • The highlight was Mirabai Chanu’s golden comeback.

Importance for India:

• Enhanced global recognition of India’s sporting strength and hosting capacity.
• Strengthened India’s position in weightlifting.
• Mirabai’s achievement is an inspiration, promoting women’s empowerment.
• Provided Indian athletes with experience and selection opportunities for major international tournaments.