Nagoya (Japan): Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu finally added an Asian Games medal to her decorated career after winning silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games on Wednesday, September 23.

Chanu lifted a combined weight of 198kg, recording 87kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Centre. Her performance placed her second behind North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, who claimed the gold medal with an impressive total of 215kg. Indonesia’s Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana secured the bronze medal.

The silver ended Chanu’s long wait for an Asian Games podium finish. Despite winning medals at the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games, the 32-year-old had never managed to secure a medal at the continental event before.

With her achievement, Chanu became India’s first Asian Games weightlifting medallist since Karnam Malleswari won silver at the 1998 Bangkok Games. The result also completed Chanu’s collection of medals from major international competitions.

Chanu’s journey has been marked by several challenges, including injury setbacks and competition pressure. However, her determination and experience helped her deliver a strong performance on the Asian stage. The Manipuri lifter’s achievement added another milestone to Indian weightlifting history and provided a significant boost to the country’s medal campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.