Indian weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow. Following her historic triumph, she made a heartbreaking revelation about starving herself for two days to stay within the weight limit.
Key Takeaways
- Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal in the women's 48kg weightlifting event at CWG 2026.
- To maintain her weight category, she fasted without food or water for two consecutive days.
- She set new Commonwealth Games records in Snatch (85kg) and Clean & Jerk (105kg) for a total of 190kg.
Manipur's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has scripted history once again by winning the gold medal in the women's 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. This victory marks her third consecutive CWG gold, further cementing her legacy. The Tokyo Olympics silver medalist has once again made the entire nation proud.
Behind this golden triumph lies a tale of extreme sacrifice and sheer determination. Immediately after stepping off the podium, Chanu made a shocking revelation to reporters. Her first words were, "Quickly finish this, I haven't eaten anything for two days." To strictly remain within the 48kg weight limit, she had completely avoided food and water for 48 hours leading up to her event.
Her journey to the gold was not without drama. After failing her first snatch attempt at 82kg, Chanu showed immense composure to lift 82kg and then 85kg, setting a new CWG record. In the Clean & Jerk, she lifted 105kg on her second attempt, culminating in a record-shattering total of 190kg.
Historical Background
Mirabai Chanu has been the torchbearer of Indian weightlifting for nearly a decade. After winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she has consistently dominated the Commonwealth arena. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has made her one of India's most decorated and respected athletes.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that weight-category athletes undergo immense physiological and psychological stress to qualify for their events. Chanu’s revelation highlights the extreme, often dangerous, lengths to which elite athletes must go to represent their nations. It brings critical focus to the debates surrounding weight-cutting practices in global sports.
"Fasting and severe dehydration to make weight are common yet grueling realities in weight-restricted sports. Mirabai's ability to perform at a record-breaking level under such physical deprivation is nothing short of superhuman."
| Category | Snatch Lift | Clean & Jerk Lift | Total Lifted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirabai Chanu (CWG 2026) | 85 kg (Record) | 105 kg (Record) | 190 kg (Record) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What was Mirabai Chanu's total lift at the CWG 2026?
A1: She lifted a total of 190 kg, which included 85 kg in Snatch and 105 kg in Clean & Jerk, setting new Commonwealth Games records.
Q2: Why did Mirabai Chanu fast for two days?
A2: She fasted without food or water to strictly control and maintain her body weight within the 48kg limit required for her competition category.
