Mirabai Chanu backs off at CWG, eyes Asian Games

A world-class field of weightlifters, including several Olympic medallists, is set to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the five-day competition beginning on Sunday, July 26, at the Scottish Event Campus. The event features prominent athletes like Canada's Maude Charron and England's Emily Campbell, while India's star Mirabai Chanu aims for a historic third consecutive gold medal.

Chanu, a two-time defending champion and Olympic silver medallist, will compete in the women's 48kg category. However, she has stated she will not push for a maximum effort in Glasgow, specifically holding back from attempting a 90kg snatch, in order to prioritize her preparation for the Asian Games in Japan this September. She aims to secure her first podium finish at that event. Chanu expressed confidence in the broader Indian team's readiness, acknowledging high expectations for medals but urging her teammates, especially debutants, to stay relaxed and treat the competition like any other championship.

The Indian squad includes a mix of experienced and new athletes. Among the women are Gyaneshwari Yadav (53kg), Bindyarani Devi (58kg), and Harjinder Kaur (69kg). The men's team...