A year after her heartbreaking exit at the Paris Olympics 2024, Mirabai Chanu returned to the international stage with a commanding gold medal win at the Commonwealth Championship 2025 in Ahmedabad.
Competing in the new 48kg category, Chanu lifted a total of 193kg (84kg snatch, 109kg clean and jerk) to secure the top spot. While the competition was not her toughest, the event marked her comeback and preparation for next month’s World Weightlifting Championship.
A Modest Medal, but a Major Step Forward
For Mirabai, this medal wasn’t about adding another trophy to her illustrious cabinet, but about proving that she is ready for the challenges ahead.
“This wasn’t about winning gold, it was about getting back to competition. The goal is the World Championship, and 200kg is within reach,” said her coach Vijay Sharma.
Malaysia’s Irene Henry, who lifted a total of 162kg, finished far behind Chanu, underlining the gulf in class.
Struggles With Weight Management – The ‘Extra 1kg’ Challenge
The International Weightlifting Federation’s decision to move the lowest Olympic weight class from 49kg to 48kg forced Mirabai to make tough adjustments.
“Losing that extra 1kg is a big deal. I have to control my diet, watch my weight, and ensure I don’t lose muscle,” said Chanu.
Her coach also admitted there was concern about whether, at 31, Mirabai could consistently make weight without compromising strength. At the Commonwealth trials, she faced difficulty hitting 48kg, but on Monday, she stepped on the scale at 47.8kg — slightly under, but a sign that the weight cut process still needs fine-tuning.
Signs of Progress After Paris Olympics Break
This gold medal came after Chanu’s longest break from competition in her career. Following the intense Tokyo and Paris Olympic cycles, Sharma and his team deliberately gave her body time to recover.
“After Paris, there were no immediate big tournaments, so we prioritized rest and recovery. It was necessary after years of high-intensity training,” Sharma explained.
The Commonwealth Championship thus served as a “soft relaunch”, allowing Mirabai to test her fitness, weight control, and mental readiness before the bigger stage.
What Lies Ahead – The Road to 200kg
The ultimate target for Chanu and Sharma is clear: touching 200kg total at the World Championships 2025. While a medal will depend on the field, both believe she is capable of achieving that milestone.
Apart from physical preparation, the key challenge will be managing weight cuts effectively and ensuring that the transition to 48kg does not affect her explosive power in clean and jerk, her strongest lift.
Mirabai Chanu’s gold medal at the Commonwealth Championship 2025 may not be her most prestigious achievement, but it was an important comeback after her Paris heartbreak. With her eyes now set on the World Championships and ultimately the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, every lift, every gram, and every adjustment matters.
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