Chanu shines despite snatch setback

With another World Championships medal around her neck, Mirabai Chanu has further extended her legacy as India’s most celebrated weightlifter. Competing in the women’s 48kg category, the 2017 world champion and Tokyo Olympic medallist clinched silver with a total lift of 199kg, keeping her long-term Olympic dream firmly on track.

The 30-year-old, who recently moved down from the 49kg division, endured a nervous start in snatch. She cleared 84kg in her opener but failed twice at 87kg, leaving her with ground to recover. True to her reputation as a clean and jerk specialist, Chanu produced a flawless series of lifts 109kg, 112kg and finally 115kg to secure her place on the podium. Significantly, this was the first time she cleared 115kg in competition since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she famously won India’s first-ever Olympic silver in weightlifting.

“I’m happy to finish on the podium, it gives me great confidence for the year ahead, especially after my previous performance at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in August,” Chanu said after the medal ceremony.

“Every competition is part of my preparation towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The upcoming Commonwealth Games(2026) and Asian Games(2026) will be crucial milestones on that journey. I’m focused on working hard, learning from each outing, and giving my best for the country.”

Weightlifting Chief coach Vijay Sharma described Chanu’s effort as another demonstration of her consistency, while also outlining the roadmap ahead. “This is just the start of a very important phase in her career. Next year’s Commonwealth Games and Asian Games will test her progress before the LA Olympics. The focus is on fine-tuning her technique, building strength, and ensuring she peaks at the right time,” he said.

The competition’s gold medal was won in record-breaking style by North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, who lifted 213kg (91kg in snatch + 122kg in clean and jerk), setting new world marks in both total and clean and jerk. Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen claimed bronze with 198kg (88kg + 110kg), finishing just a kilogram behind Chanu.

For Chanu, this silver was not just another addition to her decorated career but a reaffirmation of her staying power. Despite injury setbacks and stiff competition, she continues to be a formidable force on the global stage, her eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize in Los Angeles three years from now.