Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver at 2025 World Championships

Mirabai Chanu made a resounding return to form by securing the silver medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships in Førde, Norway. Her performance not only added another international medal to her tally but also rewrote the Indian national records in two key categories.

Event Highlights

Held on 2 October 2025, the women’s 48 kg event saw participation from top lifters across 26 countries. The final standings showcased intense competition.

• Gold: Ri Song-gum (North Korea) – 213 kg (World Record)
• Silver: Mirabai Chanu (India) – 199 kg (National Record)
• Bronze: Thanyathon Sukcharoen (Thailand) – 198 kg

Ri Song-gum was in dominant form, setting new world records in snatch (91 kg), clean & jerk (122 kg), and total lift (213 kg).

Mirabai’s Record-Breaking Performance

Chanu started strong with a successful snatch lift of 84 kg, although she missed her next two attempts at 87 kg. The clean & jerk segment, however, showcased her grit and strength. She lifted,

• 109 kg in her first attempt
• 112 kg in the second
• A massive 115 kg in her final lift — setting a new Indian national record

Her combined total of 199 kg not only earned her the silver medal but also set a national record for total lift in the 48 kg category.

This marks Mirabai’s third career medal at the World Championships, reinforcing her status as India’s premier weightlifter.

Ri Song-gum’s World Record Sweep

North Korea’s Ri Song-gum overshadowed the competition with a historic performance. Her final lifts broke all existing benchmarks.

• Snatch: 91 kg
• Clean & Jerk: 122 kg
• Total: 213 kg

These results left a significant gap between her and the rest of the field, including Chanu. Nonetheless, Chanu’s performance remained the second-best globally in the event.

Key Facts

• Event: World Weightlifting Championships 2025, Førde, Norway
• Category: Women’s 48 kg
• Mirabai’s lifts: Snatch 84 kg, Clean & Jerk 115 kg, Total 199 kg
• New national records in Clean & Jerk and Total
• Gold medallist: Ri Song-gum – 213 kg (world records)