Forde: India’s Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu secured a silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025, marking a strong return to the world stage after a three-year gap. Competing in the 48 kg category, Chanu lifted a total of 199 kg, just short of her target of 200 kg.

Chanu began with challenges in the snatch, managing 84 kg after failing twice at 87 kg. However, she displayed remarkable consistency in the clean and jerk, successfully lifting 109 kg, 112 kg, and 115 kg to secure her podium finish.

The gold medal went to North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, who dominated the competition with a total of 213 kg, setting new world records in clean and jerk (122 kg) and overall total. Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen won bronze with a total of 198 kg, narrowly behind Chanu.

This is Chanu’s third World Championship medal after winning gold in 2017 and silver in 2022. Earlier this year, she made a successful comeback at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, winning gold with a lift of 193 kg in the same category and setting new Commonwealth records.

Chanu’s decision to move from the 49 kg to the 48 kg division, in line with revised international weight categories, has already proven successful. While Ri Song Gum’s performance has raised the bar, Chanu’s near-200 kg total indicates her potential to challenge for top honors in upcoming international events, including the Olympics.