Mirabai Chanu wins silver in weightlifting, India's first medal in 28 years

India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has created history at the Asian Games 2026. In the women's 49kg category, she lifted a total of 198kg to win the silver medal. This is Mirabai's first Asian Games medal, and also India's first Asian Games medal in weightlifting in 28 years.

The final was tight and thrilling. North Korea's veteran weightlifter Ri Song Gum led the event from the start. Mirabai opened her snatch with 83kg, lifted 85kg in her second attempt, and successfully lifted 87kg in her third attempt. After the snatch round, she remained firmly in medal contention.

In the clean and jerk, Mirabai opened with a successful lift of 107kg, then lifted 111kg in her second attempt. A third attempt was not needed, as her total had already reached 198kg, combining 87kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk. With this total, she claimed the silver medal.

The gold medal was won by North Korea's Ri Song Gum, who lifted a total of 215kg, comprising 94kg in the snatch and 121kg in the clean and jerk. Indonesia's Vijayana Luluk Diana Tri finished third, lifting a total of 191kg to win the bronze medal, with 88kg in the snatch and 103kg in the clean and jerk.

Mirabai's silver medal has ended India's long wait for a weightlifting medal at the Asian Games. India had previously won a silver medal in weightlifting at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games through Karnam Malleswari. Since then, India had not won a single medal in the sport at the Asian Games. Mirabai has now ended that 28-year drought.

Mirabai Chanu first competed at the Asian Games in 2014, finishing ninth. She could not take part in the 2018 Games due to a back injury. In 2022, she finished fourth in weightlifting but was also injured during that competition. She has now finally opened her account at the Asian Games.