8 SEPTEMBER2025Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu made a stunning comeback by clinching the gold medal in the women's 48kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad on August 25, 2025. Competing in this weight class for the first time since 2018, Chanu lifted a combined total of 193kg in a field of seven, 84kg in snatch, and 109kg in clean and jerk, setting new Commonwealth Championship records in all three lifts. This triumph marked her first competition in a year following an injury layoff and her challenging fourth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The victory not only underscored her return to top form but also secured her direct qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.On her exceptional win, Mirabai said, "This victory is the result of relentless hard work, my coaches' guidance, and the constant encouragement of the nation. The home crowd's support gave me immense motivation."Despite having to cut an extra kilogram to fit into the new weight class, the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist finished 32kg ahead of runner-up Irene Jane Henry of Malaysia, while Wales' Nikole Roberts claimed bronze. Competing on home soil, Mirabai secured her first gold at this meet, having previously won silver behind Sanjita Chanu in Pune in 2015, and set three new Commonwealth records in the process.Further, India had a dominant outing at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, including Soumya Dalvi (177kg) and Payal (166kg) claimed the 48kg junior and youth titles, while Preetismita Bhoi (150kg) stood out by winning the 44kg youth women's gold. The Women Empowerment vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI WE) has introduced the third edition of its flagship Global Women Leadership Programme (GWLP), designed to mentor women entrepreneurs and professionals in business and professional streams in BRICS countries as well as partner nations.This year's edition, with Nippon Paint India as the Lead Programme Partner, aims to enhance leadership capabilities and nurture cross-border partnerships.Three exceptional participants will win a fully sponsored visit to India to attend the Convocation Ceremony, and the winner of the best project using "Nudge Theory" will be given an exclusive trophy at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Summit & Felicitations 2026, with the Cheistha Kochhar Foundation.BRICS CCI WE President Ruby Sinha also highlighted that individuals who have been mentored are twice as successful, and for women, it is often the juncture at which one can decide not to stay small but expand worldwide.Director, Nippon Paint India, Sharad Malhotra also added that their renewed partnership is a testament to a shared vision to develop and appreciate women's leadership, driving inclusive growth within industries and geographies.GWLP has connected mentors and mentees for many years in India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and the UAE and given them life-altering experiences.The winner in 2024 was Mahadi Mosia of South Africa, who was subsequently awarded as being among 18 women chosen from 1,000 competitors in the BRICS Women's Startup Contest.The existing four-month hybrid programme will integrate online mentorship with on-ground networking, encompassing modules on leadership fundamentals, sustainability, entrepreneurial vs. managerial leadership, and behavioral science applications such as Nudge Theory.It will conclude with two flagship events--the Ideas Pitch Fest, where businesses are pitched to investors, and the Convocation Ceremony, coinciding with International Women's Day. IN FOCUSMIRABAI CHANU WINS GOLD AT COMMONWEALTH WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025BRICS CCI WE LAUNCHES THIRD EDITION OF GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
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