New Delhi: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu — India’s Olympic-medallist lifter — is embarking on a major career recalibration. As per the latest announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and confirmed by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the women’s 49 kg weight class will no longer feature at the 2028 Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. The lightest women’s division at LA will now begin at 53 kg.
Chanu — who won silver in the 49 kg at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and narrowly missed a podium finish at Paris 2024 — has accepted the challenge, declaring that she is “confident” of competing in the 53 kg class for LA 2028.
Why the Shift?
Her traditional 48–49 kg categories have been removed from the Olympic programme.
Maintaining weight in the sub-50 kg range has been physically taxing over the years — moving up offers room to add lean muscle mass and potentially reduce injury risk.
Her coaching team believes this could be a “positive shift,” allowing Chanu to regain strength without the stress of drastic weight cuts.
Recent Performance & What She Brings to 53 kg
At the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships in Førde (Norway), Chanu lifted a total of 199 kg in the 48 kg division to clinch silver.
In 2025 she also won gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in the newly introduced 48 kg class — proving her resilience and consistency despite changes.
Her best lifts: she has previously recorded world-class numbers — lifting 84 kg in snatch and 115 kg in clean & jerk for a 199 kg total at Worlds 2025.
The Challenges Ahead
Bulking up to 53 kg is not just about gaining weight — maintaining agility, technique, balance and explosive strength will be crucial. Experts caution that the transition may take time.
By the time LA 2028 comes around, Chanu will be around 34 years old. Age, previous long career, and adaptation to a new weight class may influence performance.
What This Means for India & Mira’s Legacy
For India, Chanu’s shift to 53 kg carries promise — she already has the technique, experience and mental toughness. Her coach says the extra weight could improve muscle strength and reduce the strain she faced in lower categories.
For Mira personally, this may mark a “second wind.” A chance to re-define her career on her own terms, and maybe to return to the Olympic podium, stronger and more powerful.
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