Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu is making a much-anticipated return to competitive weightlifting as she leads India’s challenge at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025, starting in Ahmedabad on August 30. This marks her first competition in over a year after recovering from injuries and facing setbacks in recent tournaments.
Mirabai, who has won multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships (2013, 2017, 2019) and a silver in 2015, will compete in the revamped 48kg category following International Weightlifting Federation rule changes. The 31-year-old aims to fine-tune her performance here as a stepping stone towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the World Championships in Norway this October.
The Olympic medalist has been training intensively under renowned physiotherapist Aaron Horschig in the USA, crediting this program for helping her manage and recover from past injuries, including a thigh injury sustained at the 2023 Asian Games. Mirabai is confident and optimistic, aiming to lift 90kg in the snatch segment—a substantial achievement signaling her readiness to dominate the field again.
Beyond competing, Mirabai is embracing leadership as the newly appointed chairperson of the Indian Weightlifting Federation’s Athletes Commission. She is dedicated to fostering the growth of women’s weightlifting in India and has initiated a training centre named Weightlifting Warriors in Modinagar, focusing on preparing girls for the 2036 Olympics.
Mirabai’s inspiring journey highlights resilience, talent, and commitment, generating excitement among fans and the weightlifting community as she aims for new records and medals in upcoming global events.
