📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Sports
Mirabai Chanu to spearhead Manipur’s five‑medal push in weightlifting at CWG 2026
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 26 Jul 2026, 04:33 AM
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Mirabai Chanu is set to lead Manipur’s weightlifting team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, aiming for a five‑medal haul.
Mirabai Chanu, the Olympic and Commonwealth gold‑medalist, has been named the flag‑bearer and captain of Manipur’s weightlifting contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada.
The state’s weightlifting squad will compete across five weight categories, with Chanu herself slated to contest the women’s 49‑kg division. Her leadership is expected to galvanise the team, which includes several national champions and rising stars.
Chanu’s appointment follows her historic performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she secured gold in the 49‑kg class and set a new games record. Her experience and training base in Imphal have made her a natural choice to mentor the younger athletes.
Officials from the Manipur Sports Council have expressed confidence that the state’s robust weightlifting infrastructure will translate into podium finishes. The five‑medal target reflects a strategic push to elevate Manipur’s standing in international weightlifting.
The 2026 Games will feature 20 weightlifting events, and Chanu’s presence is expected to draw significant attention to the sport within the state and across India.
The state’s weightlifting squad will compete across five weight categories, with Chanu herself slated to contest the women’s 49‑kg division. Her leadership is expected to galvanise the team, which includes several national champions and rising stars.
Chanu’s appointment follows her historic performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she secured gold in the 49‑kg class and set a new games record. Her experience and training base in Imphal have made her a natural choice to mentor the younger athletes.
Officials from the Manipur Sports Council have expressed confidence that the state’s robust weightlifting infrastructure will translate into podium finishes. The five‑medal target reflects a strategic push to elevate Manipur’s standing in international weightlifting.
The 2026 Games will feature 20 weightlifting events, and Chanu’s presence is expected to draw significant attention to the sport within the state and across India.