Competing in Førde, Norway, Mirabai Chanu lifts 84kg in snatch and a national record 115kg in clean & jerk to claim silver in the women’s 48kg; North Korea’s Ri Song-gum sets three world records to win gold.

Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu delivered a stellar performance at the World Weightlifting Championships 2025, winning the silver medal in the women’s 48kg category and setting two new national records in the process.

Competing in Førde, Norway, Chanu lifted a total of 199kg, comprising 84kg in the snatch and a record-breaking 115kg in the clean and jerk segment. Her overall lift of 199kg also stands as a new national record total in the 48kg weight division.

This remarkable showing marked Chanu’s third World Championship medal, reaffirming her status as one of India's most decorated weightlifters. It was also her first appearance at a World Championship since 2022 and her second major international competition after narrowly missing a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she placed fourth.

Chanu’s biggest moment came in the clean and jerk, where her lift of 115kg not only ensured her a place on the podium but also set a new Indian national record, surpassing her previous best. Combined with her 84kg snatch, her total of 199kg was another national benchmark.

However, the day belonged to North Korea’s Ri Song-gum, who completely dominated the event by clinching three gold medals—one each for the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift. Ri put on a historic performance, setting new world records across the board: 91kg in snatch, 122kg in clean and jerk, and an astonishing 213kg total lift, leaving her competitors behind by a wide margin.

The bronze medal went to Thanyathon Sukcharoen of Thailand, who lifted a total of 198kg, narrowly missing the silver by just one kilogram.

Chanu’s return to top form on the global stage is a promising sign for Indian weightlifting as she sets her sights on future competitions, including the upcoming Asian Games and Paris 2028 Olympics. Her technical precision and consistency, particularly in the clean and jerk, continue to be her strengths and a source of national pride.

The 2025 edition of the World Weightlifting Championships in Norway featured fierce competition among the world's best, with lifters from across continents showcasing their strength, technique, and resilience. Mirabai Chanu’s silver, coupled with two national records, not only adds another accolade to her name but also boosts India's standing in the international weightlifting circuit.