New Delhi: India’s star weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu clinched a silver medal in the women’s 48kg category at the IWF World Championships 2025, lifting a total of 199kg (84kg snatch + 115kg clean and jerk). The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist reaffirmed her consistency on the world stage, adding another podium finish to her illustrious career.
Chanu, who previously won gold in 2017 and silver in 2022, faced early struggles in the snatch, failing twice at 87kg. However, she bounced back strongly in the clean and jerk, successfully completing all three lifts 109kg, 112kg, and 115kg. Notably, it was the first time since Tokyo 2021 that Chanu lifted 115kg, the weight that earned her Olympic silver.
The gold went to North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, who set new world records with a staggering 213kg total (91kg snatch + 122kg clean and jerk), while Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen settled for bronze with 198kg (88kg + 110kg).
Speaking after her win, Chanu said:
“I’m happy to finish on the podium at the IWF World Championships 2025 in Norway it gives me great confidence for the year ahead. Every competition is part of my preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with the Commonwealth and Asian Games being crucial milestones. I’m focused on working hard, learning from every outing, and giving my best for the country.”
Chief coach Vijay Sharma praised her determination but stressed that the target now is to consistently cross the 200kg mark, something Chanu had achieved earlier in the 49kg category.
“This silver is a reflection of her consistency and commitment. The focus now is on technique, strength-building, and ensuring she peaks at the right time before the LA Olympics,” Sharma said.
With her latest silver, Mirabai Chanu continues to underline her status as one of India’s most reliable athletes on the global stage, while setting her sights firmly on the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the ultimate prize Los Angeles 2028.
