Mirabai Chanu to Lead India's Weightlifting Campaign After Quota Reduced to 11
Mirabai Chanu leads India's weightlifting campaign despite doping-related squad cut.
Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will lead India's weightlifting campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games as the country looks to continue its impressive record in the sport despite a reduced squad following multiple doping-related setbacks. India's contingent has been trimmed from 16 to 11 lifters, with the latest withdrawal being Dilbag Singh in the 96kg category earlier this week.
The reduction in the squad has affected India's medal prospects ahead of the Games, but the team remains one of the strongest contenders in Commonwealth weightlifting. The absence of traditional powerhouses such as China and North Korea from the Commonwealth Games continues to provide India with an opportunity to maintain its dominance on the international stage.
India has enjoyed remarkable success in Commonwealth weightlifting over the years, finishing as the top-performing nation in the discipline at the 1990, 2002, 2018 and 2022 editions of the Games. Overall, the country has won 133 medals, including 46 gold medals, making it the second-most successful nation in Commonwealth weightlifting history behind Australia. At the 2022 Birmingham Games, India topped the medal standings with 10 medals, including three golds and three silvers.
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Among the 11-member squad, Mirabai Chanu remains India's strongest gold medal prospect. The former world champion and Olympic silver medallist enters the women's 48kg competition with a personal best total of 205kg, comprising an 89kg snatch and a 116kg clean and jerk. Despite being the favourite to defend her Commonwealth title, Chanu said her primary focus remains the upcoming Asian Games, adding that she would avoid taking unnecessary risks in Glasgow.
Apart from Chanu, India will also rely on Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Rishikanta Singh (60kg) and M. Raja (65kg), who are regarded as strong contenders for gold medals. While all 11 Indian lifters are considered capable of reaching the podium, only a handful are expected to challenge for top honours based on current form and rankings.
India's squad for the Games includes women lifters Mirabai Chanu, Gyaneshwari Yadav, Bindyarani Devi, Nirupama Devi, Harjinder Kaur, Sanjana and Martina Devi, while the men's team comprises Rishikanta Singh, M. Raja, Ajaya Babu and Lovepreet Singh. Despite the challenges posed by the quota reduction and doping controversy, India will aim to deliver another successful campaign and reinforce its standing as one of the leading weightlifting nations in the Commonwealth.
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