Olympic silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on July 26, clinching the women’s 48kg weightlifting title. After her victory, she revealed that she hadn’t eaten for two days ahead of the competition!
Mirabai Chanu’s 3rd Successive Commonwealth Games Gold Medal
Mirabai Chanu once again proved why she remains one of India’s greatest weightlifters, opening the country’s gold medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. According to the Times of India, the Olympic silver medallist dominated the women’s 48kg event, securing her third straight Commonwealth Games gold after previous victories in Gold Coast (2018) and Birmingham (2022). Before her golden run, she had claimed silver at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The Indian weightlifting star delivered a commanding performance, finishing 22kg ahead of Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong. Chanu set a Commonwealth Games record with an 85kg snatch and followed it up with a Games-record 105kg clean and jerk, taking her combined total to 190kg. Her victory not only earned India its first gold medal of the 2026 Games but also extended her remarkable legacy on the Commonwealth stage.
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Went Two Days Without Food
The Tokyo Olympics silver medallist said she had not eaten for two days and had even avoided drinking water for three days to make the 48kg weight limit. Even as reporters gathered around her after the win, Chanu smiled and joked, “Jaldi jaldi karo, maine kuch khaaya nahi hai 2 din se (Please do this quickly, I haven’t eaten in two days).”
While talking to NDTV after her victory, Mirabai Chanu spoke about the gruelling weight cut she had to undergo before the competition. She revealed that competing in the 48kg category is especially challenging as her natural weight is around 50.5kg. To meet the weight limit, she stopped eating and even went without water for three days, adding that managing body weight is one of the toughest aspects of the sport.
Mirabai Chanu, you are an absolute star and inspiration! Here’s wishing you the heartiest congratulations and all the best for the upcoming Asian Games!
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/mirabai_chanu
FAQs
Why did Mirabai Chanu not eat for two days before the Commonwealth Games?
Mirabai Chanu revealed that she had to undergo a strict weight cut to compete in the women's 48kg category. She said she did not eat for two days and avoided drinking water for three days to meet the weight limit.
How many Commonwealth Games gold medals has Mirabai Chanu won?
With her victory in Glasgow, Mirabai Chanu has won three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals. She previously won gold at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games. She also claimed silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
What records did Mirabai Chanu set at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Mirabai Chanu lifted 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 190kg. Her performance included Games-record lifts and helped her finish 22kg ahead of the silver medallist.