India’s star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu added another remarkable achievement to her illustrious career by winning the silver medal in the women’s 49kg category at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Chanu finished with a combined lift of 198kg, recording 87kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk. Her performance secured second place on the podium and earned her a long-awaited Asian Games medal. The medal holds special significance for Chanu, as the Asian Games podium had remained the one major achievement missing from her decorated career.

She had previously won an Olympic silver medal, World Championship medals and multiple Commonwealth Games titles. After finishing fourth at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Chanu returned to the continental stage with determination and delivered a memorable performance in Nagoya. Chanu began the competition strongly in the snatch, successfully completing lifts of 83kg, 85kg and 87kg. She then produced a crucial 111kg clean and jerk, taking her overall total to 198kg and securing the silver medal.

Her achievement also ended India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the Asian Games. Karnam Malleswari had been the last Indian weightlifter to stand on the podium, making Chanu’s accomplishment an important moment in Indian weightlifting history.

Mirabai Chanu’s silver is a celebration of resilience, consistency and determination, inspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts across the country.

Congratulations to Mirabai Chanu on this historic achievement!