Star weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu scripted history in Glasgow on Sunday, powering India to its first gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a breathtaking, record-breaking display in the women's 48 kg category. The Tokyo Olympics silver medallist shattered the Games record twice in the snatch event before lifting a total of 190 kg, securing her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and completing an iconic golden hat-trick.

The historic victory sparked nationwide celebrations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the tributes to the Manipuri powerhouse, praising her unrelenting dedication and unmatched consistency on the international stage.

Double Games Record In Snatch Lays Foundation For Historic Win

From the very first lift at the arena in Glasgow, Mirabai established absolute dominance over her competitors. Opening her account with a confident 82 kg attempt in the snatch round, she immediately broke the previous Games record. Refusing to rest on her laurels, the weightlifting icon returned to the barbell moments later to lift a staggering 85 kg on her third attempt—erasing her own newly set mark and building a massive eight-kilogram lead over her nearest rivals heading into the second half of the competition.

Though she briefly stumbled on her opening attempt in the clean and jerk, Mirabai displayed the nerves of steel that have defined her career. She cleanly hoisted 105 kg on her second attempt, sealing a combined total of 190 kg and locking up the top step of the podium.

From Glasgow 2014 To Glasgow 2026: A Full-Circle Triumph

Mirabai's triumph in Glasgow carries immense emotional weight, bringing her legendary career full circle. It was in this very Scottish city back in 2014 that a teenage Mirabai introduced herself to the world by winning a silver medal at her debut Commonwealth Games. Twelve years later, she returned to the exact same host city as an Olympic icon, standing tall as a three-time champion following gold medal triumphs at Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham in 2022.

Her dominance ensures that the Indian national anthem echoed across the Commonwealth weightlifting arena for the third consecutive edition, confirming her legacy as one of the greatest lifters the nation has ever produced.

Indian Weightlifting Contingent Hits Top Gear

Mirabai's record-breaking gold capped off a memorable day for the Indian weightlifting squad. Earlier in the session, young sensation Rishikanta Singh bagged a brilliant silver medal in the men's 60 kg category with a total lift of 264 kg (121 kg in snatch and 143 kg in clean and jerk), ensuring India's medal tally picked up rapid momentum on day four of the multi-sport extravaganza.