Indian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 49kg category at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 23. Chanu lifted a combined 198kg to secure second place and add an Asian Games medal to her international record. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated the weightlifter and praised her determination and perseverance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Chanu on her achievement. The medal completes Chanu’s collection of major international medals across the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
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Mirabai Chanu Secures Asian Games Silver
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu delivered a strong performance in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the 2026 Asian Games.
She recorded a combined lift of 198kg to win the silver medal. North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won gold with 215kg, while Wijayana claimed bronze.
Chanu successfully completed all three snatch attempts at 83kg, 85kg and 87kg. She then lifted 107kg in her first clean and jerk attempt and cleared 111kg in her second attempt.
Manipur Chief Minister Congratulates Chanu
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated Chanu after her silver-medal performance.
The Chief Minister described her as a pride of Manipur and praised her strength, determination and perseverance.
He also said her achievement could inspire young athletes across the state and encourage them to pursue higher goals in sports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Chanu and described the medal as a special silver, while praising her consistency and determination.
Asian Games Medal Completes Major Collection
The silver medal holds particular significance in Chanu’s career because the Asian Games medal had remained missing from her major international achievements.
She previously won Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020 and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. She has also collected medals at the World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Chanu successfully defended her title. She also won gold at the 2021 Asian Championships.
Return After 2023 Asian Games Setback
Chanu’s previous Asian Games appearance in Hangzhou in 2023 ended without a medal.
An injury forced her to withdraw from her final clean and jerk attempt. She finished fourth in the competition.
However, she returned to the international podium at the 2025 World Championships. Her latest performance in Japan now adds an Asian Games silver to her career record.
Chanu Joins Elite Group of Indian Weightlifters
With her latest medal, Chanu joins a select group of Indian weightlifters who have won medals at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships.
She is the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleshwari to achieve this distinction.
Chanu won her first World Championship title in 2017. She later secured Commonwealth Games gold in 2018 and 2022, further establishing herself as one of India’s leading weightlifters.
From Nongpok Kakching to International Podiums
Born on August 8, 1994, in Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, Chanu grew up as the youngest of six siblings.
Her father, Saikhom Kriti Meitei, worked with the Public Works Department, while her mother, Saikhom Tombi, ran a small shop.
Chanu initially showed interest in archery. However, coaches noticed her physical strength at the Khuman Lampak Sports Academy in Imphal.
She began formal weightlifting training in 2008 and travelled from her village to Imphal for practice. Later, she joined the national training system and trained in Bengaluru and at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.
Coach Vijay Sharma has played an important role in her senior career.
Key Facts
- Athlete: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu
- Sport: Weightlifting
- Category: Women’s 49kg
- Medal: Silver
- Total lift: 198kg
- Event: 2026 Asian Games
- Location: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Date: September 23, 2026
- Gold: Ri Song Gum, North Korea — 215kg
- Bronze: Wijayana
- Hometown: Nongpok Kakching, Manipur
- Chief Minister: Yumnam Khemchand Singh
Questions and Answers
What medal did Mirabai Chanu win at the 2026 Asian Games?
Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting category.
What was Chanu’s total lift?
She recorded a combined total of 198kg.
Who won the gold medal?
North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won gold with a total lift of 215kg.
Why is this medal important?
The Asian Games silver completes Chanu’s collection of medals from the major international competitions in which she has competed.
What did the Manipur Chief Minister say?
Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated Chanu and praised her determination and perseverance while encouraging young athletes to follow her example.
Location Context
Mirabai Chanu’s achievement has special significance for Manipur and Northeast India, where she has become a prominent sporting figure. Her journey from Nongpok Kakching to international competition has also highlighted the region’s contribution to Indian sports.
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