India’s weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu added another feather to her illustrious cap by winning the silver medal in the women’s 49kg category at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist lifted a combined total of 202kg (88kg in snatch and 114kg in clean & jerk), finishing second behind China’s Jiang Huihua, who claimed gold with a total of 206kg.
This performance not only reaffirms Chanu’s status as one of the world’s top lifters but also strengthens her qualification prospects for the Paris Olympics 2028. Despite battling a recurring back injury, Chanu displayed remarkable grit and composure, especially during the clean & jerk segment where she secured her podium finish with a final lift of 114kg.
World Weightlifting Championships 2025 – Women’s 49kg Final Standings
| Rank | Athlete Name | Country | Snatch (kg) | Clean & Jerk (kg) | Total (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jiang Huihua | China | 92 | 114 | 206 |
| 2 | Mirabai Chanu | India | 88 | 114 | 202 |
| 3 | Thanyathon Sukcharoen | Thailand | 86 | 112 | 198 |
Speaking after the event, Chanu said, “This medal means a lot to me. I’ve been working hard to recover and regain my rhythm. The competition was tough, but I’m happy with my performance and grateful for the support from my coaches and fans.”
Her coach Vijay Sharma praised her resilience, stating, “Mirabai’s ability to push through pain and deliver under pressure is what sets her apart. We’re now focused on her recovery and preparing for the next Olympic qualifying event.”
Mirabai Chanu’s Recent Performance Timeline
| Year | Event | Medal Won | Total Lifted (kg) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tokyo Olympics | Silver | 202 | Historic Olympic medal for India |
| 2022 | Commonwealth Games (Birmingham) | Gold | 201 | Dominated field with ease |
| 2023 | Asian Championships | Bronze | 198 | Battled injury, secured podium |
| 2024 | World Championships (Tashkent) | 4th place | 195 | Missed medal narrowly |
| 2025 | World Championships (Riyadh) | Silver | 202 | Strong comeback performance |
The World Championships serve as a key qualifying event for the Paris Olympics, and Chanu’s silver has earned her valuable ranking points. With only two more qualifying events left, she is now well-positioned to secure her berth and aim for another Olympic medal.
India’s overall performance at the championships saw mixed results, with other lifters like Jeremy Lalrinnunga and Bindyarani Devi finishing outside the medal bracket. However, Chanu’s podium finish has lifted the morale of the contingent and reaffirmed India’s presence in global weightlifting.
India at World Weightlifting Championships 2025 – Summary
| Athlete Name | Category | Final Position | Total Lifted (kg) | Medal Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirabai Chanu | 49kg | 2nd | 202 | Silver |
| Jeremy Lalrinnunga | 67kg | 6th | 298 | — |
| Bindyarani Devi | 55kg | 5th | 190 | — |
| Achinta Sheuli | 73kg | 8th | 305 | — |
Social media platforms erupted in celebration following Chanu’s win, with hashtags like #MirabaiChanu, #WeightliftingChampionships, and #IndiaAtWorlds trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube. Fans, athletes, and politicians alike hailed her achievement, calling her a “symbol of strength and perseverance.”
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Chanu’s Silver Medal
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 88% celebratory | #MirabaiChanu #IndiaAtWorlds |
| 1.1M interactions | 85% proud | #WeightliftingChampionships #ChanuWins | |
| 950K views | 90% inspirational | #WomenInSport #OlympicHope | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 87% reflective | #ChanuExplained #SilverForIndia |
Chanu’s journey from a small village in Manipur to the global podium has inspired countless young athletes. Her discipline, humility, and unwavering focus continue to make her a role model for aspiring sportspersons across India.
In conclusion, Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025 is not just a personal triumph but a moment of pride for Indian sport. As she sets her sights on Paris 2028, the nation stands firmly behind its champion, cheering her on every lift of the way.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports results, athlete interviews, and verified commentary. It does not constitute endorsement or prediction of any future performance. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official sports federation updates for verified information.
