Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu made a successful return to competition on Monday, winning the gold medal in the women's 48kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad. Competing for the first time in a year since the Paris Olympics, Chanu lifted a total of 193kg (84kg in snatch, 109kg in clean and jerk) to dominate the field, in what she and her coach described as a crucial "dress rehearsal" for bigger challenges ahead.
Chanu's performance was a calculated test of her recovery and form rather than an all-out effort. She secured her 84kg snatch on her second try after an initial failed lift and missed an attempt at 87kg. In the clean and jerk, she successfully lifted 109kg but saw a 113kg lift invalidated after she failed to initiate it within the 30-second time limit. Despite these minor hiccups, she finished a massive 32kg ahead of the silver medallist, stepping onto the platform only after all other competitors had finished their attempts.
For Chanu and her coach, Vijay Sharma, the Ahmedabad event was a stepping stone towards the World Championships next month. "That was our goal for this tournament, to get her tournament ready," Sharma said. "We are on track to touch 200kg at the World Championship." The competition was also a crucial test in the new, lower 48kg Olympic weight category. "Losing that extra 1kg is a big deal for me," Chanu explained. "I have to control my diet... and also ensure I don’t lose muscles."
The biggest takeaway from Chanu's comeback was the confirmation that she is physically and mentally prepared for the demanding season ahead. Despite a slight discomfort in her wrist during one lift, her coach declared the "soft relaunch" a success. Having passed this first test with flying colors, the dream team of Chanu and Sharma will now turn their full attention to the World Championships, confident that they are on the right track.
Adapting to the new weight class has been a primary focus for Chanu's team. Her coach revealed that the 31-year-old had "a bit of a problem reducing" weight during domestic trials, prompting a meticulous plan from dieticians and physios. The effort paid off in Ahmedabad, where she successfully weighed in at 47.8kg. This successful simulation of a competition-day weight cut was a major victory for the team as they fine-tune her preparation.