MIRABAI CHANU WINS SILVER AT WORLD WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS IN NORWAY
Indian weightlifting icon Saikhom Mirabai Chanu clinched the silver medal in the women’s 48 kg (new category) at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships held in Førde (Forde), Norway, on October 3, 2025. She posted a combined total of 199 kg — 84 kg in the snatch and 115 kg in the clean & jerk — matching the kind of elite performance that has been her hallmark since Tokyo. This podium finish adds another glittering chapter to Chanu’s international résumé.
- Event: World Weightlifting Championships 2025, Førde, Norway.
- Athlete: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (India).
- Category: Women’s 48 kg (new classification).
- Snatch: 84 kg.
- Clean & Jerk: 115 kg.
- Total: 199 kg — Silver medal.
FAQs
Q1: What were Mirabai Chanu’s lifts at the 2025 World Championships and what medal did she win?
A1: Mirabai Chanu lifted 84 kg in the snatch and 115 kg in the clean & jerk, for a combined total of 199 kg, and won the silver medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships in Førde, Norway.
Q2: Why did Mirabai move to the 48 kg weight class and does it affect her performance?
A2: The move was strategic — shaped by recent category changes and her team’s planning. Shifting weight classes requires careful management of body composition and strength; Mirabai’s podium shows the move was effective in maintaining performance while competing in the new class.
Q3: How significant is a World Championships medal compared to an Olympic medal?
A3: Both are elite achievements. Olympic medals carry broader global prestige and cyclical attention every four years; World Championships are annual (or near-annual) and are the highest regular benchmark for a sportsperson’s consistency and standing among the world’s best. A Worlds medal is vital for ranking, confidence, and momentum.
Q4: What does this medal mean for India’s weightlifting program?
A4: It reinforces that India’s training systems and talent pathways are producing world-class results. Success on such stages can lead to increased funding, better coaching support, and more interest among youth, especially in regions like Manipur.
Q5: What should fans expect next from Mirabai Chanu?
A5: Expect a recovery period, program adjustments, and selective competitions aimed at maintaining international ranking and preparing for major events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic qualification cycle. Her team will likely use this Worlds result as a data point to fine-tune future plans.
