Mirabai Chanu eyes Asian Games medal after Commonwealth Games gold

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu returned to India after winning her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow 2026, adding to an Olympic silver and multiple World Championship medals. She said an Asian Games medal is her next priority, describing it as “very important” and the only major title missing from her career.

Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav wrote to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recommending Chanu for the Arjuna Award, citing her record of gold medals at successive Commonwealth Games, the Khel Ratna and Padma awards, and her contribution to Indian weightlifting. The recommendation highlighted her childhood dream of receiving the Arjuna Award.

Chanu received a grand welcome at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, praised by chief national coach Vijay Sharma and fellow Manipuri lifters such as silver‑medallist Rishikanta Singh. The Indian weightlifting contingent’s success, with multiple medals at the Glasgow Games, has heightened expectations ahead of the Asian Games scheduled for October.