- The Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and one of India's biggest medal hopes will compete on July 26.
- The 30-year-old also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of elite sport.
- Chanu is looking forward to competing in the 53kg division.
India's star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has made a strong statement ahead of her much-anticipated event at the Commonwealth Games 2026. She said that her primary focus lies beyond Glasgow.
As Team India began their medal campaign in Scotland with encouraging performances, Chanu explained that she will not push herself to the limit, with the Asian Games taking priority later this year.
The Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and one of India's biggest medal hopes will compete on July 26. Still, she has already made it clear that the Commonwealth Games are part of her larger preparation plan rather than the ultimate target.
“I will not give my full effort in the Commonwealth Games. My focus is the Asian Games, which are very near. I am training according to that. So my performance and effort here will depend on that plan,” Mirabai Chanu told PTI on Thursday.
The statement may disappoint Indian fans hoping to see the former Commonwealth champion dominate the competition once again. Still, it reflects a calculated approach as Chanu looks to peak for the continental event.
Mirabai Chanu Eyes Asian Games
The 30-year-old also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of elite sport while expressing confidence in her long-term goals.
Olympian Mirabi Chanu on how young athletes can do to avoid falling prey to doping 💉
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) July 24, 2026
"We should not consume anything without prior knowledge, as it could be harmful. Even a small mistake can ruin our lives because we train for four years, which are very crucial to us"
[PTI]…
“You can’t really predict how the body will perform on a given day, but I will try to get 90kg in the Asian Games for sure,” she explained.
Chanu also opened up about the physical and mental challenges of competing in lower weight categories, describing weight management as one of the toughest aspects of her career.
Mirabai Chanu stated, “Weight management is very difficult. Since the time I have been competing, I have been maintaining either 48kg or 49kg. It is very difficult. You have to keep track of a lot of things. Half a player’s life goes into this.”
With international weightlifting moving to revised weight categories, Chanu is looking forward to competing in the 53kg division, believing the change will ease the burden of cutting weight while presenting fresh challenges.
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“I am really happy that I will go to 53kg. I will feel very relaxed that I will not have to control my weight. But yes, when the weight increases, there will be more competition, and I will have to improve my performance,” Chanu concluded.
Despite her measured approach, Chanu remains one of India's strongest medal contenders in Glasgow. Fans will be hoping the Olympic medallist can add another Commonwealth Games medal to her illustrious career before shifting her complete focus to the Asian Games.