New Delhi, Aug 4: India’s eight-medal performance in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games 2026 provided an early boost to the country’s overall campaign, but the decline in gold-medal finishes has raised concerns about the future strength of the programme.India concluded the Games in fourth place with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. Athletics contributed 16 medals and boxing added 10, while weightlifting played a key role during the opening phase of the competition.The Indian weightlifting contingent won eight medals, with Mirabai Chanu securing the only gold.
The remaining podium finishes included six silver medals, underlining India’s ability to remain competitive while also highlighting difficulties in converting medal opportunities into titles.India’s gold-medal count in weightlifting has declined over recent editions of the Commonwealth Games. The country won five gold medals in 2018, three in 2022 and only one in 2026.The latest result marks India’s lowest gold-medal return in the sport since the 2010 Commonwealth Games and points to a broader challenge in maintaining its traditional dominance.
Mirabai, 31, remained India’s standout performer. She became the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games titles and registered a total lift of 190 kg, including 85 kg in the snatch and 105 kg in the clean and jerk.The medal was her fourth at the Commonwealth Games. She had won silver in 2014 before claiming gold medals in 2018, 2022 and 2026.
While Mirabai continued to deliver at the highest level, her success also brought attention to the lack of emerging Indian lifters capable of consistently winning major international titles.Several current athletes, including Harjinder Kaur, Bindyarani Devi and Lovepreet Singh, have secured multiple Commonwealth medals but are yet to establish themselves as regular gold-medal winners.The competition has also become more challenging, with countries such as Malaysia, Canada, England, Australia and Nigeria strengthening their weightlifting programmes.
Malaysia, in particular, increased its gold-medal count from two in 2018 to five in 2026.India’s performance also showed the risks involved in attempting ambitious weights. While some lifters benefited from aggressive strategies, others were unable to complete valid lifts.
Nirupama Devi failed to register a successful snatch, while Sajana did not record a valid clean-and-jerk attempt, leaving both without an overall total.The results have renewed focus on India’s preparations for higher-level competitions, where the standard is expected to be tougher.
Indian lifters will face strong competition from leading Asian nations at the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.Despite the concerns, weightlifting remained one of India’s strongest sports at the Commonwealth Games, particularly in the absence of disciplines such as wrestling, badminton and hockey.
The eight-medal haul contributed significantly to India’s overall success, but improving the conversion rate from silver to gold and developing a stronger pipeline of future champions will be key priorities for the country’s weightlifting programme.
