Weightlifting – Mirabai Chanu Set to Lead India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 Campaign
Weightlifting – India has finalized its weightlifting team with experienced names and emerging talents aiming for success in Glasgow.
Mirabai Chanu to Spearhead India’s Weightlifting Squad
Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu has been selected to lead India’s weightlifting team for the Commonwealth Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Glasgow. The experienced lifter returns to the international stage after recovering from injury and will compete in the women’s 48kg division, where she has built an impressive record over the years.
Experienced Champion Returns After Injury Break
The 31-year-old has established herself as one of India’s finest weightlifters through consistent performances at major international events. She has previously claimed Commonwealth Games gold medals in Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, along with a silver medal in Glasgow 2014. Her achievements also include a world championship title and the Olympic silver medal she earned at the Tokyo Games.
Chanu last appeared in competition during the National Weightlifting Championships held in Modinagar in February, where she secured the women’s 48kg national title. However, she was forced to skip the Asian Weightlifting Championships in May while recovering from a shoulder injury suffered earlier this year.
Strong Women’s Team Selected for Glasgow
India’s women’s squad also features several accomplished lifters expected to strengthen the country’s medal hopes. Birmingham 2022 silver medallists Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur have been included in the squad and will compete in the 58kg and 69kg weight categories respectively.
The remaining women’s lineup includes Gyaneshwari Yadav in the 53kg division, Sanjana in the 77kg class, and Martina Devi, who will participate in the +86kg category. The combination of experienced athletes and promising competitors is expected to provide India with a balanced team across multiple events.
Young Lifters Ready for Commonwealth Games Debut
In the men’s competition, Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medallist Lovepreet Singh will lead India’s campaign in the +110kg category. His previous podium finish makes him one of the country’s strongest medal contenders heading into the Glasgow event.
Several new faces will also receive their first opportunity on the Commonwealth Games stage. Rishikanta Singh will compete in the 60kg category, Ajaya Babu has been selected for the 79kg class, while Dilbag Singh will participate in the 94kg division. M Raja completes the men’s lineup in the 65kg category.
Weightlifting Schedule and India’s Medal Ambitions
The weightlifting competitions at the Commonwealth Games 2026 are scheduled to take place from July 26 to July 30 at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.
India enters the event with an impressive track record in Commonwealth weightlifting competitions. The country has consistently ranked among the leading nations, producing outstanding performances in both Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. During the previous edition, Indian lifters collected nine medals, including five gold medals, underlining the nation’s growing strength in the sport.
With an experienced leader in Mirabai Chanu and a squad featuring proven medal winners alongside talented newcomers, India will look to continue its successful run and add another strong chapter to its Commonwealth Games weightlifting history.