Asian Games 2026: Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver, Ends India’s 28-Year Weightlifting Medal Wait (X)
Aichi-Nagoya: Mirabai Chanu's Asian Games dream has finally come true. On Wednesday, she won the silver medal in the women's 49 kg category by lifting 198 kg. With this she has reached the podium of the Asian Games for the first time. This medal is special not only for Mirabai but for the entire Indian weightlifting. After Karnam Malleswari's silver in Bangkok in 1998, India has got a medal in weightlifting in the Asian Games after 28 years.
Mirabai started with snatch. Easily lifted 83 kg in the first attempt, 85 kg in the second and 87 kg in the third. All three lifts were clean. Then in clean and jerk she started with 107 kg. By lifting 111 kg in the second attempt, her total became 198 kg. In the third attempt, the weight was increased but that lift was missed. However, 198 kg was enough for silver.
Gold was taken by North Korea's Ri Song Gum. She lifted a total of 215 kg – 94 kg in snatch and 121 kg in clean and jerk. During this time he also made a world record. Bronze went to Luluk Diana of Indonesia, who lifted 191 kg.
Mirabai had won silver in the Olympics and gold in the World Championship and Commonwealth, only the Asian Games medal was left. In 2014, she stood 9th in Incheon. Had to miss the Jakarta Games in 2018 due to a back injury. In 2023, she finished fourth in Hangzhou by lifting 191 kg and got injured in the last lift. After three Asian Games, their wait finally ended in Nagoya. At the age of 32, she showed that she is still on top.
Last time in 1998, Karnam Malleswari had won silver in 63 kg. Since then India has been away from the Asian Games podium in weightlifting. Mirabai ended this 28 year long drought. With this silver, Mirabai's medal collection is now complete - Olympics, World, Commonwealth and now Asian Games. This Nagoya medal is the most memorable medal of her career.
Copyright © 2026 Top Indian News
