Mirabai Chanu is set to spearhead Manipur’s challenge in weightlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the Olympic medallist aiming to win a third Commonwealth Games title. Her presence once again puts the spotlight on Manipur’s remarkable contribution to Indian weightlifting.
India’s squad features five weightlifters from the state, underlining how strongly Manipur continues to influence the sport at the national level. The group is being seen as a major medal hope for India, with Chanu leading a line-up shaped by years of disciplined training and steady progress.
A key figure behind that rise is veteran coach S Brojendro Singh, who is credited with guiding several of these athletes from their early days. His long-term work has helped build a pipeline of lifters from Manipur who are now competing on one of the biggest multi-sport stages in the Commonwealth calendar.
Alongside Chanu, names such as Nirupama Devi reflect the depth emerging from the state’s weightlifting system. As Glasgow approaches, the focus is on whether Manipur’s five-pronged contingent can convert that promise into medals and further strengthen the state’s reputation as a powerhouse in Indian sport.
