Top five rivals for Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting at Asian Games 2026
Mirabai Chanu is yet to win a medal at the Asian Games
Mirabai Chanu has arrived in Japan as she prepares to begin her Asian Games 2026 campaign in a few days. She is the biggest name in the all-women Indian weightlifting contingent, which has gone to Aichi-Nagoya.
Despite being India’s top hope and an Olympic silver medallist, Mirabai Chanu has never won a medal at the Asian Games. And in Japan, she would be keen on creating history by securing a podium finish. However, that would not be easy for the Indian weightlifting icon, as she would have to compete against the likes of China, North Korea, and Thailand, which have dominated the sport over the years.
RELATED: How did Mirabai Chanu perform at Asian Games 2022?
Thus, without any further ado, let’s take a look at the top five rivals for Mirabai Chanu’s weightlifting at the Asian Games 2026.
Mirabai Chanu’s biggest rivals at Asian Games 2026
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5. Rira Suzuki: Japan
Rira Suzuki will enjoy a big outing at the Asian Games 2026, as the Japanese lifter will try her luck to win a medal in front of the home crowd. She has won silver medals at the World Championships and the Asian Championships. However, her focus would be on solidifying her medal kitty with a podium finish.
4. Luluk Diana Tri: Indonesia
Luluk Diana Tri won gold at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand in the women’s 48 kg event, lifting a total of 184 kg. And making her debut in the Asian Games, she will be competing with the best lifters across the continent. However, at the age of 21, her future already seems bright in the weight class, as she is keen on helping her nation secure a podium finish.
3. Suthasini Kaeosingkhon: Thailand
Currently a rising star in the weightlifting world, Suthasini Kaeosingkhon will represent Thailand after World Championship silver medalist Thanyathon Sukchareon sat out. Earlier this year, she gave a stellar performance at the IWF World Junior Weightlifting Championships in Egypt, winning a bronze medal in snatch with a lift of 77 kg.
2. Fang Wan-ling: Chinese Taipei
Fang Wan-ling’s name requires no introduction. She is undoubtedly one of the best weightlifters currently in the 49 kg category. Earlier this year, she won a silver medal at the Asian Championships, and she also has the experience of playing in the Olympics. Fang Wan-ling was also a part of Chinese Taipei’s roster during the Jakarta Asian Games in 2018, where she finished sixth.
1. Ri Song Gum: North Korea
Ri Song Gum will enter the competition as a two-time defending champion. She also holds the world record for the highest combined weight in the women’s 49 kg category. In Hangzhou, she lifted a total weight of 216 kg and won the gold medal by a comfortable margin of 3 kg. Song Gum would be the likely name to top the chart in the category; however, she could face competition from other lifters.
Has Mirabai Chanu ever won a medal at the Asian Games?
No, despite being an Olympic silver medallist, Mirabai Chanu is yet to win a medal at the Asian Games.
Who is the biggest threat to Mirabai Chanu’s medal chances at the Asian Games 2026?
North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, the two-time defending champion and world record holder in the women’s 49kg category, is considered the top rival.
Which countries dominate the weightlifting category Mirabai Chanu competes in?
China, North Korea, and Thailand have historically dominated the event, with Chinese Taipei and Japan also fielding strong medal contenders.
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