Mirabai Chanu: Leads Manipur medal charge in CWG weightlifting. As the Commonwealth Games weightlifting event begins in Glasgow, attention turns to Mirabai Chanu competing in the women’s 48kg category, aiming for her third consecutive title. The Manipuri star returns from a career-threatening injury, representing India’s strongest medal hope.
Mirabai Chanu is not alone in this campaign, as five members of India’s weightlifting squad hail from Manipur, highlighting the state’s dominance. Coach S Brojendro Singh, who trained all five since 2004, expressed pride in their journey. He noted that Mirabai Chanu inspired a generation, with many youngsters taking up the sport after her success.
Among those inspired is Nirupama Devi, making her CWG debut in the 63kg category. After injuries and pandemic setbacks, she won silver at the 2025 Commonwealth Championships. Other Manipur lifters include Martina Devi in +86kg, Bindyarani Devi in 58kg, and Rishikanta Singh in 60kg, all aiming for medals.
The Indian squad trained at University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus to fine-tune their preparations. Mirabai Chanu’s leadership and consistency remain central to India’s hopes. For Coach Brojendro, seeing five former students compete is his greatest reward, regardless of the final medal count.