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Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver at 2026 Asian Games

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 10:01 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.
She lifted a 198 kg total—87 kg snatch and 111 kg clean-jerk.
The silver ends India’s 28-year Asian Games weightlifting drought since Karnam Malleswari’s 1998 silver.
It makes Chanu the second Indian, after Malleswari, to medal at all major international events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the medal “special” and praised her determination.

History

Historical Context

After winning world titles in 1994 and 1995 and an Olympic bronze in 2000, Karnam Malleswari became India’s pioneering female weightlifter, highlighted when 163 athletes from 25 nations competed at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. Her breakthrough prompted continued Ministry investment in women’s weightlifting, sustaining the sport’s growth across later Asian Games.

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Story summary

Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.
She lifted a 198 kg total—87 kg snatch and 111 kg clean-jerk.
The silver ends India’s 28-year Asian Games weightlifting drought since Karnam Malleswari’s 1998 silver.
It makes Chanu the second Indian, after Malleswari, to medal at all major international events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the medal “special” and praised her determination.

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