Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver Medal in Asian Games 2026

Why in the News?

Indian weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in the women's 49 kg category at the 2026 Asian Games. This achievement marks her first-ever medal at the Asian Games and ends a 28-year wait for an Indian weightlifting medal at the event.

Key Features / Major Points:

Asian Games 2026 Performance:

Total Weight Lifted: 198 kg

Snatch: 87 kg

Clean and Jerk: 111 kg

Milestone: First career medal at the Asian Games and India's first weightlifting medal at the event in 28 years.

Mirabai Chanu’s Career Achievements:

Olympic Games: Won a Silver Medal at the Tokyo Olympics (2020) in the 49 kg category by lifting a total of 202 kg (Snatch 87 kg + Clean & Jerk 115 kg).

World Weightlifting Championships: Won Gold in 2017 by lifting a total of 194 kg.

Commonwealth Games: Won Silver in 2014 (Glasgow), Gold in 2018 (Gold Coast), and Gold in 2022 (Birmingham).

World Record: Created a world record in Clean & Jerk by lifting 119 kg at the 2021 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent.

Static GK Facts:

Hometown: Imphal, Manipur.

Coach & Idol: Coached by Vijay Sharma; considers legendary weightlifter Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi as her idol.

Karnam Malleswari: The first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics).

Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF): The governing body for weightlifting in India.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: In which weight category did Mirabai Chanu win the silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games?

A: 49 kg category

Q: Which medal did Mirabai Chanu win at the Tokyo Olympics?

A: Silver Medal

Q: Who was the first Indian woman weightlifter to win an Olympic medal?

A: Karnam Malleswari (2000 Sydney Olympics)