Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver at Asian Games, Inspiring Manipur
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in weightlifting at the Asian Games in Japan.
She lifted 198 kilograms in total.
She finished behind North Korea’s Ri Song-gum, who lifted 210 kilograms.
Indonesia’s Wijayana Luluk Diani Tri won the bronze medal.
Manipur’s chief minister and sports minister praised Chanu’s hard work and determination.
They said her success made Manipur and India proud.
This was Chanu’s first medal at the Asian Games.
She had missed the 2018 Games because of an injury and finished fourth at the 2022 Games while dealing with another injury.
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Chanu lifted 198kg overall, including 87kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk.
North Korea’s Ri Song-gum won gold with 210kg, while Indonesia’s Wijayana Luluk Diani Tri took bronze with 191kg.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Sports Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh congratulated Chanu.
The medal was Chanu’s first Asian Games podium finish after injuries affected her participation in earlier editions.
- Who
- Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, along with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh.
- What
- Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event with a total lift of 198kg.
- When
- Wednesday, during the 2026 Asian Games.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Why
- Her performance earned her a first Asian Games medal and prompted state officials to praise her achievement as a source of pride and inspiration.
- Medal
- Silver
- Event
- Women’s 49kg weightlifting
- Total lift
- 198kg
- Snatch
- 87kg
- Clean and jerk
- 111kg
- Gold medalist
- Ri Song-gum of North Korea, with 210kg
- Bronze medalist
- Wijayana Luluk Diani Tri of Indonesia, with 191kg
- Significance
- Chanu’s first Asian Games medal