Mirabai Chanu, a star Indian weightlifter, qualified for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 55kg weight category by winning gold at the Singapore Weightlifting International on Friday. Chanu, who was competing for the first time in the 55kg weight class, lifted 191kg (86kg 105kg) to take first place in an uncompetitive field. The second-placed lifter, Jessica Sewastenko of Australia, had a top effort of 167kg (77kg 90kg), which was a full 24kg less than Chanu's. Malaysia's Elly Cassandra Englebert came in third with a best performance of 165kg (75kg 90kg).

Chanu's first competitive event since the historic Tokyo Games performance last year, when she won India's first silver medal in weightlifting at the Olympics, was this. She had backed out of the world championships in December.

On the basis of her Commonwealth ranks, the 27-year-old has also qualified for the CWG in the 49kg weight category.

Chanu is anticipated to compete in the new 55kg weight division to increase India's chances of capturing more golds at the CWG.

The Singapore Weightlifting International is a Commonwealth Games qualifying event for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In the current event, the top eight lifters in each weight group automatically qualify for the 2022 CWG.