Mirabai Chanu's Golden Comeback: Dominance at Commonwealth Championships 2025!

India's weightlifting queen, Mirabai Chanu, has once again etched her name in gold, showcasing an indomitable spirit and a spectacular return to form at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025. In a display of sheer dominance, Chanu clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's 49kg category, not only reaffirming her status as a global powerhouse but also securing a crucial qualification spot for the highly anticipated 2025 World Championships.

The champion lifter, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, demonstrated her unparalleled strength and technique by lifting a combined total of 185kg.

Her performance was impeccable: a powerful 81kg in the snatch, followed by an awe-inspiring 104kg in the clean & jerk. This impressive total left her competitors trailing significantly, with England's Fraer Morrow, her closest challenger, managing a total of 174kg. Chanu's victory wasn't just about winning; it was a resounding statement of her absolute mastery in her weight class.

This golden triumph holds particular significance for Chanu, marking only her second international outing since battling a debilitating hip injury.

Her previous appearance at the Asian Games had been a challenging one, where she narrowly missed a podium finish, settling for fourth place. That setback, however, only fueled her determination, proving that even injuries cannot deter the spirit of a true champion. Her performance in this championship is a testament to her rigorous rehabilitation and unwavering focus.

Chanu is no stranger to the Commonwealth Games glory, having previously secured a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Her consistent excellence on this stage highlights her enduring legacy in the sport. The 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships were not merely a platform for medals; they served as a vital qualifying event for the prestigious World Championships, making Chanu's gold even more impactful for her journey towards future Olympic aspirations.

The Indian contingent celebrated more successes at the championships, with Komal Kohar earning a silver medal in the women's 45kg category.

The youth division also saw promising talent emerge, as V Rithika secured gold in the 45kg youth category, and Soumya Sunil Dalvi also claimed gold in the 49kg youth category. These performances underscore India's growing strength and bright future in the world of weightlifting, but it was Mirabai Chanu's triumphant return to the top that truly captured the nation's heart and headlines.