India’s star weightlifter and Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu has once again lifted the tricolor high on the global stage by winning silver in the women’s 48kg category at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025 held in Forde, Norway. This marks her first world medal since 2022, her third overall, and yet another remarkable chapter in her illustrious career.
A Strong Return to the World Stage
Chanu, who has become a household name in India after her Tokyo Olympic silver in 2021, returned to the World Championships with determination. Competing in her preferred 48kg category, she showcased grit, discipline, and consistency.
She started with a solid 84kg snatch, though she missed her next two attempts at 87kg. Despite the setback, she entered the clean and jerk segment with confidence. Her lifts of 109kg, 112kg, and finally 115kg highlighted her resilience under pressure. The final lift equaled her best from the Tokyo Olympics and secured her the overall silver medal with a 199kg total (84kg + 115kg).
This performance was significant, as it reaffirmed her position among the best in the world after narrowly missing a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished fourth.
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Podium Results in Women’s 48kg Category
The women’s 48kg competition was one of the highlights of the Forde Championships, featuring extraordinary performances from the world’s best athletes.
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Snatch | Clean & Jerk | Total (kg) | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ri Song Gum | North Korea | 91kg | 122kg (WR) | 213kg (WR) | Gold |
| 2 | Mirabai Chanu | India | 84kg | 115kg | 199kg | Silver |
| 3 | Thanyathon Sukcharoen | Thailand | 88kg | 110kg | 198kg | Bronze |
The event saw North Korea’s Ri Song Gum dominate with a record-breaking performance, lifting 213kg in total to set new world records in both clean & jerk (122kg) and overall total. Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen put up a strong fight but settled for bronze with 198kg.
Ri Song Gum’s Historic Lift
The North Korean lifter stole the spotlight by rewriting history books. Her 91kg snatch and record-breaking 122kg clean and jerk set new world marks, earning her the gold medal. Despite this dominance, Mirabai’s ability to secure silver with consistent lifts against such tough competition proved her mettle.
Chanu’s Legacy in World Weightlifting
Mirabai Chanu is no stranger to the World Championships podium. Her latest silver adds to her earlier achievements:
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Gold at Anaheim 2017 – 194kg total in the 48kg category
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Silver at Bogota 2022 – 200kg total
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Silver at Forde 2025 – 199kg total
This makes it her third World Championship medal, cementing her place as one of the most decorated Indian weightlifters in history.
Her victory also ended India’s three-year medal drought at the World Championships since her last silver in 2022. Interestingly, all of India’s 18 medals at the World Championships so far have been won by women athletes, showcasing the incredible strength of Indian women in the sport.
Journey Since Paris Olympics
Chanu’s return to form is especially remarkable given her disappointment at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she finished fourth with a 199kg total (88kg snatch + 111kg clean & jerk). Many had speculated whether she could return to her top form, but her Forde silver proved her critics wrong.
Just a month earlier, she also bagged gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad, lifting 193kg. This victory not only added to her medal cabinet but also confirmed her direct qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Role of Her Coach and Training Team
India’s chief coach Vijay Sharma highlighted that the primary goal for Chanu was to breach the 200kg mark again and prepare for tougher international competitions. While she fell just short at Forde, her ability to consistently hit close to that mark shows she is on the right path.
Her long-time physiotherapists and nutritionists have also played a vital role in helping her recover from injuries, particularly the back and shoulder issues that have plagued her career.
Why This Silver Matters for India
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National Pride – Ends India’s medal drought at the World Championships since 2022.
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Role Model – Reinforces Chanu’s status as an inspiration for young Indian athletes, especially women.
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Consistency – Her third world medal proves her longevity in a physically demanding sport.
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Road to Commonwealth and Olympics – Sets her up as a strong contender for Glasgow 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.
Comparison to Her Past Performances
| Year | Event | Category | Result | Total (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | World Championships (Anaheim) | 48kg | Gold | 194kg |
| 2021 | Tokyo Olympics | 49kg | Silver | 202kg |
| 2022 | World Championships (Bogota) | 49kg | Silver | 200kg |
| 2024 | Paris Olympics | 49kg | 4th place | 199kg |
| 2025 | World Championships (Forde) | 48kg | Silver | 199kg |
Chanu’s Impact Beyond Sport
Mirabai’s achievements go far beyond medals. She represents:
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Women empowerment in sports – Breaking stereotypes in strength-based events.
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Inspiration for youth – Encouraging young athletes, especially from smaller towns and villages, to dream big.
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Global recognition – Her Tokyo Olympics silver in 2021 brought India to the world spotlight in weightlifting.
Looking Ahead: Glasgow 2026 & Los Angeles 2028
With qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games secured and her preparations now focused on future Olympics, Mirabai Chanu continues to be India’s brightest hope. At just 31 years old, she still has years of competitive lifting ahead of her.
If she maintains her fitness and crosses the 200kg benchmark consistently, she will remain a top contender for medals at every major international event.
Conclusion
Mirabai Chanu’s silver at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025 is more than just another medal—it is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unyielding spirit. From overcoming injuries to fighting against world-class competition, she has shown that true champions never give up.
For India, she remains a symbol of national pride, and for aspiring athletes, she is living proof that hard work and perseverance can take you to the world stage. As she prepares for the next challenges, all eyes will remain on this remarkable weightlifter who continues to make history.
