Mirabai Chanu Prioritises Asian Games Over Commonwealth Games

Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu has revealed that she will not give her maximum effort at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, choosing instead to focus on the Asian Games, which begin on September 19. Chanu said her primary goal is to win her maiden Asian Games medal and that she is carefully managing her workload to stay in peak condition for the prestigious continental event. She will compete in the 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games.

Explaining her decision, Chanu said she does not want to take unnecessary risks, including attempting a 90kg snatch, with less than two months remaining before the Asian Games. She also revealed that she is planning to move to the 53kg weight category after the Asian Games following changes to Olympic weight divisions ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Despite winning an Olympic silver medal, two World Championship medals, and multiple Commonwealth Games medals, Chanu is still chasing her first medal at the Asian Games.