Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu is set to miss the rescheduled Asian Championships in Gandhinagar next month due to a shoulder injury. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medallist and former world champion sustained the injury during the National Championships in February.
Chanu picked up a shoulder niggle at the Nationals and with a packed calendar ahead, the focus is on recovery rather than risking further damage. With both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games scheduled in close succession, the team management is keen to ensure she is fully fit for the bigger events. In her absence, Komal Kohar is expected to replace her in the Indian squad.
At the National Championships in Modinagar, Chanu had clinched gold in the 48kg category with a total lift of 205kg, comprising 89kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk. She also attempted a 91kg snatch, but was unable to complete the lift.
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The 31-year-old is expected to compete in the 48kg division at the Commonwealth Games 2026, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, before moving up to the 53kg category for the Asian Games 2026 in October.
The Asian Games remains the only major competition where the Manipuri lifter is yet to secure a medal, and it will also serve as the first qualification event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Meanwhile, the Asian Championships—originally scheduled from April 1 to 10—were postponed by over a month due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The rescheduled event will mark the first time India hosts the senior continental weightlifting championship.
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