Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 – A UPSC Case Study

By Suryavanshi IAS

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📌 Why in News?

• Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu clinched the women’s 48 kg gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships (August 25, 2025, Ahmedabad, India).

• After a year-long break since her 4th-place finish at Paris 2024 Olympics, she returned with a powerful total of 193 kg (84 kg snatch + 109 kg clean & jerk).

• She also set three new Commonwealth records and qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

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🏆 India’s Performance Highlights

• Mirabai Chanu: Women’s 48 kg gold (193 kg total).

• Rishianta Singh: Men’s 60 kg gold (271 kg), beating Malaysia’s Aniq Kasdan by 18 kg.

• Dharmajyoti Dewgharia: Men’s 56 kg junior & youth titles (224 kg).

• Arumugapandian Maharajan: Men’s 60 kg junior & youth crowns (254 kg).

• Soumya Dalvi & Payal: Women’s 48 kg junior and youth golds.

• Preetismita Bhoi: Women’s 44 kg youth gold (150 kg).

👉 India dominated across senior, junior, and youth categories.

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🏛️ UPSC Relevance

1. General Studies Paper II – Governance & Policies

• Sports as a tool of soft power: India hosting events (Ahmedabad) enhances international image.

• Government Schemes: Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and increased sports budget reflect state support.

PYQ Example

• 2018 (GS-II): “Examine the main provisions of the National Sports Policy and the extent to which they have helped in making India a sporting nation.”

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2. General Studies Paper III – Economy, Technology, Security

• Sports Science & Technology: Nutrition, physiotherapy, biomechanics crucial for performance.

• Youth Development: Early investment in weightlifting academies producing junior champions.

• Health & Fitness: Addressing lifestyle diseases through sports promotion.

PYQ Example

• 2020 (GS-III): “National Education Policy 2020 recognizes the importance of sports. Discuss how sports and physical education can help in holistic development of students.”

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3. General Studies Paper I – Society & Women Empowerment

• Mirabai Chanu: Role model for women in sports; breaking stereotypes from a small-town background (Manipur).

• Sports & Social Mobility: Empowering women and youth from rural areas.

PYQ Example

• 2013 (GS-I): “Discuss the contribution of women in the Indian freedom struggle.” (similar framing can be adapted for sports & women empowerment).

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4. Essay & Ethics

• Essay Themes:

  • “Sports as a mirror of society.”

  • “From medals to mindset: Sports as a tool of national transformation.”

• Ethics Angle:

  • Integrity in sports, anti-doping measures, fair play.

  • Role of discipline & perseverance in public life – lessons from athletes.

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📊 Data & Facts for Enrichment

• India won 10 medals in Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Mirabai: Silver).

• Budget 2025-26: Allocation to sports ministry crossed ₹3,500 crore, with special focus on Olympics preparation.

• India’s rank in Tokyo Olympics: 48th overall.

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📝 Way Forward

1. Grassroots Sports Development

   • Expand Khelo India to rural and tribal belts.

   • Identify talent at school level.

2. Scientific Training

   • Sports science integration: nutritionists, psychologists, physiologists.

3. Incentives & Security for Athletes

   • Stable jobs, scholarships, and pension for retired players.

4. Women in Sports

   • Safe sports infrastructure for women.

   • Campaigns highlighting role models like Mirabai Chanu.

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🎯 Takeaway for Aspirants

• Mirabai’s victory is not just a medal—it is a case study in governance, youth development, gender empowerment, and India’s rise as a sporting nation.

• Aspirants can use this in GS answers, Essay, Ethics, and Interview to showcase multidimensional awareness.