World Weightlifting Championships: Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver in Women’s 48kg
Indian Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu made a remarkable return to the podium at the World Weightlifting Championships, winning a silver medal in the women’s 48kg category in Forde, Norway. This achievement marks her first world medal since 2022 and her third overall at this event.
Chanu lifted a total of 199 kg — 84 kg in the snatch and 115 kg in the clean and jerk — ending India’s medal drought at the championships, which had lasted since 2022. Her final lift of 115 kg matched her performance at the Tokyo Olympics and secured her the silver medal in both the clean and jerk and the overall standings.
North Korea’s Ri Song Gum claimed the gold medal with a record-breaking total of 213 kg, lifting 91 kg in the snatch and 122 kg in the clean and jerk. Her last two lifts set new world records in the clean and jerk and overall total. Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen took home the bronze medal with a total of 198 kg (88 kg in the snatch and 110 kg in the clean and jerk).
For Chanu, this silver medal is not just a personal triumph but also a reaffirmation of her legacy in Indian weightlifting. She previously won gold at the 2017 Anaheim World Championships with a lift of 194 kg and silver at the 2022 Bogotá edition with a lift of 200 kg.
The Forde Championships were her first world event since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished fourth in the 49 kg division with a total lift of 199 kg (88 kg in the snatch and 111 kg in the clean and jerk). Despite narrowly missing the Olympic podium, her return to form this year has been impressive.
Just last month, Chanu won gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad, lifting 193 kg (84 kg in the snatch and 109 kg in the clean and jerk). That victory also secured her direct qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
At the Forde Championships, Chanu had a strong start with an 84 kg snatch but missed her next two attempts at 87 kg, finishing third in the snatch segment. She redeemed herself in the clean and jerk, successfully completing all three lifts (109 kg, 112 kg, and 115 kg) with confidence and precision. Her consistency helped her surpass Thailand’s Sukcharoen by a narrow margin of just 1 kg to win the silver medal.
Chanu’s medal also adds to India’s overall tally at the World Weightlifting Championships, which now stands at 18, all won by women athletes. Her performance further solidifies her position as one of India’s most decorated and dependable weightlifters on the global stage.
With her sights set on future competitions, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Mirabai Chanu continues to inspire millions with her resilience, determination, and medal-winning performances.
