India Tops Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships

India's weightlifters clinched a total of 13 medals at the senior championships in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, securing their top position with four gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals. This strong performance builds on a history of success, as India has previously topped the Commonwealth Games weightlifting medal table in 1990, 2002, and 2018. The event, held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, was a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Winners in each senior category automatically secured their spot for the upcoming Games. More than 300 weightlifters from 31 nations participated in the competition. Key gold medalists for India included Mirabai Chanu in the women's 48kg category, Ajith Narayana in the men's 71kg, and Ajaya Babu Valluri in the men's 79kg. Chanu's victory marked a triumphant return, setting a new championship record with a total lift of 193 kg. On the final day of the championships, Mehak Sharma added a silver medal in the women's 86kg+ category with a personal best total of 253kg, while Lovepreet Singh secured a bronze in the men's 110 kg+ division with a total lift of 380kg. The Indian contingent demonstrated remarkable depth by also winning team trophies across all categories: youth boys and girls, junior men and women, and senior men and women. Across all age groups, India amassed a total of 40 medals. Looking ahead, Indian weightlifters will have their sights on several major international competitions. The 2026 calendar includes the Asian Championships in Ahmedabad, the World Championships in Ningbo, China, and the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The success in Ahmedabad is part of a strategic focus on youth and junior athletes, a move that chief national coach Vijay Sharma says is yielding significant results. This approach aims to build a strong foundation for future global multi-sport events.