Mirabai Chanu Wins First Gold for India at Commonwealth Games 2026
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Why in News
- India began its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland with impressive victories in weightlifting.
- Mirabai Chanu claimed a gold medal in the women's 48 kg division, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi won silver medals in their respective categories.
Key Highlights and Achievements
- Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, a 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medallist from Manipur, won India's first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by lifting a total of 190 kg, including 85 kg in snatch and 105 kg in clean and jerk.
- She created new Commonwealth Games records in snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total, earning her third consecutive CWG gold medal after victories in Gold Coast (2018) and Birmingham (2022), following her earlier silver at Glasgow 2014.
- Rishikanta Singh from Manipur secured a silver medal in the men's 60 kg category with a combined lift of 264 kg.
- Raja Muthupandi from Tamil Nadu added a silver medal in the men's 65 kg category with a total lift of 286 kg.
India's History at the Commonwealth Games
- India participated for the first time in the Commonwealth Games at the 1934 London Games.
- Rashid Anwar won India's first CWG medal, securing a bronze medal in wrestling.
- Milkha Singh won India's first individual gold medal in the 440 yards event at the 1958 Cardiff Games.