Mirabai Chanu Aims For Commonwealth Games Gold Hat-Trick After Strong Return

Olympic silver medallist and world champion Mirabai Chanu is aiming to make a successful return to international competition after recovering from injuries, with her sights firmly set on winning medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Asian Games. The Indian weightlifting star, who has been the country's most successful lifter for nearly a decade, is targeting a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal as she resumes her competitive journey.

Mirabai's comeback comes after a challenging period during which injuries disrupted her training and competition schedule. Having undergone rehabilitation and regained fitness, the 31-year-old is now focused on returning to peak form ahead of two of the biggest multi-sport events on the international calendar next year. She will celebrate her 32nd birthday on August 8 and hopes her experience and resilience will help her once again deliver on the biggest stage.

Weightlifting has traditionally been one of India's strongest disciplines at the Commonwealth Games, consistently contributing to the country's medal tally. Mirabai is expected to spearhead India's campaign once again, carrying the hopes of the national contingent in the women's 49kg category. Her consistency at major international events has made her one of India's most decorated athletes and a key figure in the country's weightlifting programme.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2026: India's Full Schedule, IST Timings and Telecast Details

Mirabai announced herself on the global stage by winning the silver medal in the women's 49kg event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, becoming only the second Indian weightlifter to win an Olympic medal. She followed that achievement by claiming gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a dominant performance. Earlier, she had also secured the Commonwealth Games title at the 2018 Gold Coast edition, making her one of India's most successful athletes in the competition's history.

In addition to her Olympic success, Mirabai has earned global recognition through her performances at the World Championships, where she has won medals and established herself among the sport's elite competitors. Her achievements have inspired a new generation of Indian weightlifters and reinforced India's reputation as a strong contender in international weightlifting competitions.

As preparations gather pace for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Asian Games, Mirabai's return provides a significant boost to India's medal prospects. A successful title defence at the Commonwealth Games would see her complete a remarkable hat-trick of gold medals, further cementing her legacy as one of India's greatest weightlifters. With her recovery complete and training back on track, Mirabai will look to add another chapter to an already illustrious career and once again lead India's challenge on the international stage.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2026: India's Full Schedule, IST Timings and Telecast Details