Mirabai Chanu Cheers on Teammates Amid Mixed Results at CWG 2026
In a calm yet intense atmosphere backstage at the SEC Armadillo, India’s head coach Vijay Sharma was busy fine-tuning strategies while star lifter Mirabai Chanu, fresh off her third straight Commonwealth Games gold, offered support to her teammates. Despite this coaching prowess and morale boost, debutant Nirupama Devi Seram faced a tough night that ended India’s winning streak in weightlifting.
Day 5 at CWG 2026
Before the women’s 63kg final on Tuesday, the Indian weightlifting team had been on a roll, clinching six medals: a gold for the impressive Mirabai (women’s 48kg), silver medals for Rishikanta Singh (men’s 60kg), Raja Muthupandi (men’s 65kg), Gyaneshwari Yadav (women’s 53kg), and Valluri Ajaya Babu (men’s 79kg), plus a bronze from Bindyarani Devi (women’s 58kg).
However, Nirupama’s competition did not start well. The 25-year-old struggled to find her rhythm, managing to complete just one out of six attempts. After failing her first snatch lift, she succeeded with a weight of 93kg on her second try, but couldn’t secure the same mark on her third attempt, nor could she lift a revised target of 95kg, leaving her in fifth place at halftime.
In an effort to turn the tide, the Indian team decided on an ambitious strategy for the clean and jerk, setting her starting weight at 123kg, which was just shy of her personal best. Encouraged by her teammates’ cheers from the stands, Nirupama managed to lift the barbell during all three attempts. Sadly, locking it overhead proved too challenging each time. On her second attempt, she lost control, letting the weight crash behind her, and struggled to power through her final lift.
With a ‘Did Not Finish’ (DNF) recorded, Nirupama watched as Canada’s Maude Charron took home the gold with a new Games record of 232kg. England’s Sarah Davies Smale and Nauru’s Femily-Crystie Notte rounded out the medal podium.
Despite this setback, India’s collection of six medals highlights their strong presence in the weightlifting sport. As the competition continues, the focus will be on making the necessary adjustments for upcoming lifts.
