Mirabai Chanu Shines Amidst Doping Crisis in Indian Weightlifting 2025

• Mirabai Chanu secured World Championships silver and Commonwealth gold after injury, reaffirming her status as India's weightlifting star.
• Despite her success, Chanu couldn't achieve the elusive 90kg snatch or improve her personal best, and faces a category change for future Olympics.
• Indian weightlifting is severely impacted by doping, with WADA flagging India as a top offender and many lifters missing competitions due to anti-doping officials.
• Apart from Chanu, senior lifters showed no world-class performances, with success limited to weaker Commonwealth competitions.
• Junior lifters like Koyel Bar and Priteesmita Bhoi offered hope, setting youth world records and showing promising development.

Why It Matters: Mirabai Chanu's brilliance contrasts sharply with India's pervasive doping problem and senior performance gaps.