Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu has revealed that she will not go all-out at the Commonwealth Games 2026, choosing instead to conserve energy for the Asian Games, which remain her primary target this season.

The Olympic silver medallist is aiming to defend her Commonwealth Games title while ensuring she reaches peak form for the continental competition later this year.

Asian Games Take Priority for Mirabai Chanu

Speaking ahead of her Commonwealth Games campaign, Chanu explained that her current training plan has been designed with the Asian Games 2026 as the ultimate objective.

Rather than attempting a personal milestone of a 90kg snatch in Glasgow, the Indian weightlifting champion intends to follow a carefully planned strategy that keeps her physically fresh for the tougher challenge in Japan.

According to Chanu, she hopes to attempt the 90kg lift during the Asian Games, where the level of competition will be significantly higher.

Chasing a Third Consecutive Commonwealth Games Gold

Mirabai Chanu enters the Commonwealth Games as one of India’s strongest medal contenders.

She is aiming to win her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal, having dominated the competition in previous editions.

Competing in the 49kg category, Chanu is considered the overwhelming favourite and is expected to challenge for another top podium finish.

Her medal event is scheduled for July 26.

Preparing for Tougher Competition at the Asian Games

The Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will present a much stronger field compared to the Commonwealth Games.

Chanu is targeting her first podium finish at the continental event and believes preserving her fitness now will improve her chances later in the season.

Her training has been specifically structured to ensure she reaches peak performance in Japan.

Mirabai Chanu Ready to Move Up to 53kg Category

Following the Asian Games, Chanu plans to transition from the 49kg weight class to the 53kg category after changes to Olympic weight divisions ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

She admitted that maintaining competition weight over the years has been physically demanding.

According to Chanu, moving to the higher weight class will reduce the stress of constant weight management, although she expects stronger competition in the new division.

Weight Management Has Been a Major Challenge

The former world champion explained that staying within the 48kg and 49kg categories has required strict discipline throughout her career.

She said a significant portion of an athlete’s preparation revolves around controlling body weight, making the transition to 53kg a welcome change despite the increased level of competition.

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Key Highlights

• Mirabai Chanu will prioritise the Asian Games over the Commonwealth Games.
• She will not attempt a 90kg snatch during the Commonwealth Games.
• Chanu is aiming for a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal.
• Her medal event is scheduled for July 26.
• The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• Chanu plans to move to the 53kg category after the Asian Games.
• The transition comes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.

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FAQs

1. Why is Mirabai Chanu not going all-out at the Commonwealth Games?

She wants to preserve her fitness and peak performance for the Asian Games, which are her main priority this season.

2. Will Mirabai Chanu attempt a 90kg snatch at the Commonwealth Games?

No. She has said she plans to save that attempt for the Asian Games.

3. Which event is Mirabai Chanu targeting this year?

Her primary focus is the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

4. How many Commonwealth Games gold medals has Mirabai Chanu won?

She is aiming for her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal.

5. In which weight category is Mirabai Chanu competing?

She will compete in the 49kg category before moving to 53kg after the Asian Games.

6. Why is Mirabai Chanu moving to the 53kg category?

The move follows changes to Olympic weight classes and will reduce the burden of constant weight management.

7. When are the Asian Games 2026?

The Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

8. When is Mirabai Chanu’s Commonwealth Games event?

Her medal event is scheduled for July 26.

9. What has Mirabai Chanu said about weight management?

She described maintaining competition weight as one of the toughest parts of her career.

10. What is Mirabai Chanu’s biggest goal in 2026?

Her biggest objective is delivering a strong performance and competing for a medal at the Asian Games.