Mirabai Chanu created one of the most memorable moments at the 2026 National Weightlifting Championships in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday. She etched her name in the national record books by winning a spectacular gold medal in the women's 48 kg category.
The Olympic silver medalist displayed complete control in both lifts, setting new standards for the snatch, clean and jerk, and total weight lifted. Chanu began her campaign with a snatch of 89 kg, immediately breaking the previous national record and establishing a significant lead over her competitors. She later attempted to better her own record by trying to lift 91 kg, but was unsuccessful.
Mirabai Chanu Breaks 3 National Records
In the clean and jerk segment, the 31-year-old Chanu maintained her composure and successfully lifted 116 kg, further solidifying her lead in the competition. With a total lift of 205 kg, she secured the gold medal and demonstrated her dominance. Chanu won by a significant margin of 22 kg over the second-best weightlifter.
This total score was also highly significant. It was 6 kg more than the 199 kg she lifted when winning the gold medal at the 2025 World Championships, and it equaled her career-best score of 205 kg achieved in the 49 kg category at the 2021 Asian Championships. This result showcased her consistent performance and ability to perform at a high level despite recent changes in weight categories.
- Snatch: 89 kg (National Record)
- Clean and Jerk: 116 kg (National Record)
- Total: 205 kg (National Record)
Mirabai Chanu's category has been changed
Mirabai Chanu returned to the 48 kg weight category in 2025 after competing in the 49 kg class, a decision she made following the restructuring of the Olympic weight categories. Her performance at the National Championships suggests that this transition has been smooth, as she continues to refine her form ahead of upcoming international competitions.
The 2026 National Weightlifting Championships saw approximately 790 athletes participating, representing 30 states and union territories, as well as three departmental boards. Amidst a packed schedule and fierce competition over the 12-day event, Chanu's record-breaking performance was one of the highlights of the competition.
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