Asian Games 2026: Mirabai Chanou makes history by winning a silver medal

Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver Medal, Achieves Historic Milestone for India at Asian Games 2026

Mirabai Chanu achieved a historic milestone for India by winning a silver medal at the Asian Games 2026. In the women's 49 kg weightlifting competition held in Nagoya, the Indian star weightlifter lifted a total of 198 kg to secure second place. With this performance, she claimed the silver medal and ended the long wait for Indian weightlifting.

Mirabai Chanu lifted 87 kg in the snatch and 111 kg in the clean and jerk. In the final with seven competitors, her total score was 198 kg, earning her second place. This medal adds another major achievement to her international career.

Mirabai Chanu Ends India’s 28‑Year Wait with a Silver Medal

Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal is particularly significant for Indian weightlifting because India had to wait 28 years for a medal in this sport at the Asian Games. Previously, in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, Karnam Malleswari won a silver medal for India.

After that, India did not win a medal in the Asian Games weightlifting competition for a long time. Now Mirabai Chanu has ended this drought by winning the silver medal. Her achievement has been recorded as an important chapter in the history of Indian weightlifting.

Silver Won by Lifting 198 kg

Mirabai Chanu delivered a brilliant performance in the final of the 49 kg category. She lifted 87 kg in the snatch and 111 kg in the clean and jerk, bringing her total weight to 198 kg.

The 32‑year‑old Indian athlete was one of the oldest competitors among the seven weightlifters in the final. Despite the pressure, she performed effectively and secured a podium spot.

Ri Song‑Gum of North Korea Wins Gold

In the women's 49 kg competition, North Korean Ri Song‑Gum won the gold medal. She achieved her third consecutive gold at the Asian Games, completing a golden hat‑trick.

Mirabai Chanu finished in second place with a total weight of 198 kg and received the silver medal. Meanwhile, Indonesian Vijianna Luluk Diani triumphed with a total of 191 kg, earning the bronze medal. She lifted 87 kg in the snatch and 103 kg in the clean and jerk.

From Rio Olympic Disappointment to Historic Return

Mirabai Chanu’s international career has been filled with ups and downs. She failed to register a valid lift at the Rio Olympics. Following that, she made a remarkable comeback and secured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, solidifying her reputation.

She also holds a gold medal from the World Championships and a gold medal from the Commonwealth Games. The silver at the Asian Games 2026 is another significant achievement in her collection of major international medals.

Major Milestone in Mirabai Chanu’s Career

After winning the silver medal at the Asian Games 2026, Mirabai Chanu’s career now includes major international platforms such as the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.