Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu delivered a dominant and confidence-boosting performance at the National Weightlifting Championships on Wednesday, rewriting the record books as she clinched the women’s 48kg gold medal. The star Indian weightlifter shattered three of her own national records, underlining her return to peak form ahead of a packed international calendar.
The multiple-time World Championships medallist registered a combined lift of 205kg, lifting 89kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk. In the process, Chanu set new national records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift in the 48kg category.
“I am delighted. This performance has boosted my confidence,” Chanu told PTI after her gold-winning effort. “Earlier, I was competing in the 49kg category, so to achieve this result in 48kg feels really special.”
Eyes on the 90kg Snatch Milestone
The 31-year-old Manipuri lifter revealed that her preparation is still a work in progress and expressed confidence about crossing the elusive 90kg mark in snatch soon.
“I hope in the next competition I cross the 90kg mark. Today also I tried, but since my training hasn’t been fully structured yet, I couldn’t do it. Once training is in full flow, I’m sure I’ll lift 90kg,” she said.
As is often the case at domestic events, Chanu faced little challenge for the gold medal, requiring just two successful lifts each in snatch and clean and jerk to secure top honours. However, there was a clear shift in strategy this time.
Aggressive Approach Pays Off
Instead of adopting a conservative plan, India chief coach Vijay Sharma encouraged Chanu to push her limits. She opened with a higher-than-usual 86kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk, responding with confidence and precision.
Chanu comfortably cleared 86kg before executing a flawless 89kg snatch, improving upon her previous personal best of 88kg set at the 2020 National Championships in the 49kg category. She later attempted 91kg in her final snatch lift but lost balance during the effort.
In the clean and jerk, she successfully lifted 112kg and 116kg before being encouraged to attempt 120kg in her final lift, which she could not complete. Notably, Chanu had earlier set a world record of 119kg in clean and jerk at the 2021 Asian Championships.
Strong Signs Ahead of Major Events
Despite being one of India’s most decorated weightlifters, Chanu had not improved her personal bests in snatch since 2020 and in clean and jerk since 2021. Wednesday’s performance, therefore, marks a significant step forward in her comeback journey.
With major competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Weightlifting Championships lined up, Chanu’s record-breaking outing signals renewed sharpness and momentum at the right time.