Star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won the first gold for India at the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games with a power-packed performance in the women's 48 kilogram category in Gold Coast, Australia, on Thursday.
The Manipuri powerhouse left the competition far behind by setting Games and Commonwealth records in the snatch, clean and jerk as well as the total.
She registered 86 kg in the snatch and 110 kg in clean and jerk for a total of 196 kg.
Marie Hanitra of Mauritius finished a distant second with a total of 170 kg while Dinusha Gomes of Sri Lanka took bronze with 155 kg.
Chanu started off on a rousing note by breaking the existing Games record with a lift of 80 kg.
She went on to break the record another two times with successful attempts of 84 kg and 86 kg, the latter being her new personal best.
That gave her a massive lead of 10 kilograms over second placed Marie at the end of the snatch session.
GOLD for India. Congrats Mirabai Chanu. Privilege to watch a world class weightlifter. So proud to support you @OGQ_India @GC2018 @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/EcbGlcK1MF
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) April 5, 2018
Whatever the boys do, our girls do one better! Bravo Mirabai Chanu for lifting that coveted weightlifting Gold at @GC2018 As a father of two bright girls, I am so proud of your achievement. #GoForMore our prayers are with you & the entire Indian contingent. pic.twitter.com/Jbsk8tX8oY
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) April 5, 2018
The wondrous story of Manipur's rise in Indian sport! Salute Mirabai Chanu.. the golden girl.. may you win an Olympic medal next! Proud moment! #CWG2018
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) April 5, 2018
It's a good start for our players. This will give motivation to all players. Chanu's lifts were amazing, she was going for the gold from the very first lift. With this performance, we can hope for a better result in the Olympics: Karnam Malleswari, Former Olympic Bronze medalist pic.twitter.com/0lxM7vlAjZ
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2018
Inspirational Mirabai Chanu
— Maj Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) April 5, 2018
Gold is coming
She broke 3 record in 6 Min 1st lift-80kg broke Games Record
2nd lift-84kg broke her GR n equalled the Commonwealth Record (CR).
3rd lift-86kg-New CR in Snatch #CG2018 #PrideOfIndia pic.twitter.com/pZPJP2cP2E
Proud moment for India! Congratulations Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for winning India's first gold at #CWG2018 in women's weightlifting 48 kg category!
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) April 5, 2018
Congratulations to #MirabaiChanu on clinching gold medal in #GC2018 and setting a new record in the women's 48kg weightlifting category of Commonwealth Games. The entire Railway family is proud of her achievement. pic.twitter.com/M2fr9U8Wrz
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 5, 2018
congratulations .. and so proud of you Mirabi Chanu .. you have made us all proud Indians https://t.co/fzQ6LAPOXe
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) April 5, 2018
Every lift from her broke a CWG record. Nari Shakti at its best. Super proud of #MirabaiChanu for winning the first Gold for India. #CommonwealthGames2018 pic.twitter.com/C6NavwLfQ0
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 5, 2018
Congratulations & our warm regards to Weightlifter #MirabaiChanu for clinching Gold and setting record by lifting 196 kg at #GC2018. This victory is a testimony of her grand journey. Our salutations to this Padma Shri awardee ! pic.twitter.com/DAHJAhWIxH
— Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) April 5, 2018
The Indian star started the clean and jerk session in similar fashion, lifting 103 kg in her first attempt to take the lead straightaway.
Another successful lift of 107 kg consolidated her position at the top. The Manipuri went on to post a new personal best with 110 kg in her third and final attempt to close off a dominating performance.