Union Minister Kiren Rijiju met with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu after she secured a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games [1].
Chanu's victory is significant as it represents India's first gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Games [3]. The win further cements her status as one of the nation's most consistent elite athletes on the international stage.
The meeting took place in India following Chanu's return from Glasgow, Scotland [4]. During the encounter, Chanu presented Rijiju with a jersey signed by the Indian weightlifting team as a token of appreciation [2].
Chanu competed in the women's 48 kg weightlifting event [1]. Her performance in Glasgow marks her third Commonwealth Games gold medal [2]. This achievement follows a rigorous competition schedule in Scotland, where she outperformed her rivals to top the podium.
Rijiju greeted the athlete and praised her triumph during the exchange [2]. The minister's recognition comes amid broader celebrations for the athlete, who was also lauded by other government officials for her performance in the 48 kg category [1].
The signed jersey serves as a symbolic gesture of the collective effort of the Indian weightlifting squad. By gifting the item to the minister, Chanu highlighted the support of the national team throughout the 2026 campaign [2].
“India's first gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Games”
Chanu's third gold medal establishes a rare level of longevity and dominance in the 48 kg weightlifting category. By securing the first gold for India in the 2026 Games, she provided critical early momentum for the national delegation, while the public interaction with government leadership underscores the high level of state support for Olympic and Commonwealth sports in India.
