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After achieving a historic third consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, Indian weightlifting sensation Mirabai Chanu is now gearing up for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. She has already commenced her training, aiming to secure the one major medal that has eluded her so far.

Returning to India on Sunday following her successful stint at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, Mirabai expressed her determination to improve upon her fourth-place finish in the women's 49kg category at the previous Hangzhou Asian Games.

"The Asian Games are just around the corner, and the competition will be intense. My training has already begun, and I am fully committed to winning another medal for India," Mirabai stated.

In Glasgow, the Olympic silver medalist delivered an outstanding performance, lifting 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a total of 190kg to secure her third Commonwealth Games gold. This victory also made her the first Indian woman to earn medals at four consecutive Commonwealth Games, having previously won silver in Glasgow 2014 and gold in Gold Coast 2018, Birmingham 2022, and now Glasgow 2026.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey from a young weightlifter in Manipur to a national icon, Mirabai shared that each success brings back memories of the sacrifices she has made.

She remarked, "Winning a medal brings both joy and reflection. I think about the challenges I faced and how far I've come. The hardships fade away in the joy of victory. This medal represents the struggles I endured for India."

Mirabai expressed her gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support throughout her career, saying, "This success is due to the love and prayers of my supporters. My goal has always been to win medals for India, and I am thankful for the recognition I have received."

She also acknowledged the crucial role of her chief national coach and mentor, Vijay Sharma, in her success.

"I feel fortunate to have a coach like Vijay sir, who has guided and motivated me through every phase of my career. He knows how to uplift players, whether they win or lose, and helps us strategize for the future," she added.

Sharma, a Dronacharya Awardee, praised Mirabai's discipline and consistency, stating, "Her achievements are a testament to her dedication. She is the only woman globally to have won medals in four consecutive Commonwealth Games, which speaks volumes about her commitment."

He emphasized that the team's focus is now on the Asian Games, saying, "Winning a medal at the Asian Games is our top priority, and we will work hard to achieve that."

Mirabai also expressed her appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated her on social media after her latest victory.

"I am grateful for his support. He motivates athletes before and after competitions, and it inspires us to perform for our country. It is a privilege to have such a Prime Minister who stands by us," she remarked.

Earlier this week, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav formally requested the Sports Ministry to consider Mirabai for an honor following her historic achievement.

A recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri awards, Mirabai has a childhood dream of receiving the Arjuna Award.

Discussing the award, she said, "If the government recognizes my achievements with the Arjuna Award, I would be delighted."

To qualify for the Arjuna Award, athletes must demonstrate consistent outstanding performance, leadership, and discipline, along with a clean disciplinary record.

The emotional weight of standing atop the podium once more was profound for Mirabai. "When I was on the podium, I reflected on the past four years. Seeing our flag rise and hearing the national anthem brought tears of joy," she shared.

Upon her arrival in New Delhi, Mirabai received a warm welcome from fans and members of the Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee, celebrating yet another milestone in her illustrious weightlifting career.