Historic Asian Games Silver
Mirabai Chanu Wins First Asian Games Silver in Weightlifting
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Key Points
1
At the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Chanu competed despite an injury and failed both of her final clean-and-jerk attempts at 117 kilograms, which she needed to win a medal.
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Chanu’s 198-kilogram total included a progression of 83, 85 and 87 kilograms in her three snatch attempts; she finished the snatch stage in third before securing the silver with a best clean and jerk of 111 kilograms.
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Before the Asian Games, Chanu won her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow with a 190-kilogram total, comprising an 85-kilogram snatch and a 105-kilogram clean and jerk.
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Indian coach Vijay Sharma said Chanu entered the competition with a 200-kilogram entry weight, compared with Ri Song Gum’s 210-kilogram opening aggregate, while describing Chanu as being in strong physical condition and free of niggles.
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The silver was Chanu’s 11th medal for India at the Asian Games, whose tally at that point stood at one gold, five silvers and five bronzes.
Mirabai Chanu won her first Asian Games medal on September 23, 2026, capturing silver in the women's 49-kilogram weightlifting event at the Aichi-Nagoya Games with a total of 198 kilograms. The 32-year-old Indian Olympic silver medalist, who previously finished ninth in 2014 and fourth in 2023, finally broke through after more than a decade of trying. Moneycontrol reported that she lifted 87 kilograms in the snatch and 111 kilograms in the clean and jerk.
North Korea's Ri Song Gum took gold with a world-record 215 kilograms, earning her third consecutive Asian Games title. Indonesia's Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana claimed bronze with 191 kilograms. Chanu said the moment brought "happy tears." IANS quoted her: "I feel very good. This Asian Games medal was my dream and finally I got a silver medal... Today, my dream has come true."
A Medal Twelve Years in the Making
Chanu's path to silver was long and painful. At the 2014 Incheon Games, she finished ninth. She missed 2018 entirely due to a back injury. At 2023 in Hangzhou, she placed fourth after failing two clean-and-jerk attempts at 117 kilograms, unable to secure a medal. Each setback tested her resolve.
This time felt different. Chanu entered the competition in peak condition. Her coach Vijay Sharma said she was "free of niggles" and weighed in with a 200-kilogram entry total. She progressed through the snatch stage in third place before locking in silver with her best clean and jerk of 111 kilograms.
Breaking India's 28-Year Weightlifting Drought
Chanu's silver ends a historic drought. India had not won an Asian Games weightlifting medal in 28 years, since Karnam Malleswari won silver in 1998. The gap underscored how difficult it is for Indian lifters to medal on Asia's biggest continental stage. This silver represents a watershed moment for Indian Olympic sports.
The achievement completes Chanu's grand slam across all major competitions. She now holds medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Championships, and Commonwealth Championships. She becomes only the second Indian weightlifter alongside Malleswari to achieve this rare feat.
Ri's Record and China's Absence
Gold medalist Ri Song Gum dominated the event with a world-record 215 kilograms. The 28-year-old North Korean completed her third consecutive Asian Games title, cementing her status as the division's dominant force. She lifted 94 kilograms in the snatch and 121 in the clean and jerk.
The Week noted that China's absence from the lightest women's division improved Chanu's medal prospects significantly. Without Chinese competitors, Ri emerged as Chanu's main rival. The absence of Asia's weightlifting powerhouse made silver within reach for the Indian champion.
What's Next for Chanu at 32
At 32, Chanu proved she remains elite. She was the oldest lifter in the seven-person field, yet delivered when it mattered most. Her resilience after multiple injuries shows her physical conditioning remains world-class. The silver medal affirms she still belongs among Asia's best.
Chanu credited her support team for the breakthrough. IANS quoted her: "A special thanks to my Coach Vijay Sharma sir and members of support staff for their tremendous support and motivation." With an Asian Games medal now locked in, she can chase further glory in world competitions and future Olympic cycles.
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