Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver at Asian Games After 12-Year Wait
Mirabai Chanu has secured a historic silver medal in the women's 49kg weightlifting event at the Asian Games, marking India's first medal in this category since 1998. This achievement concludes a 12-year pursuit for Chanu, who expressed her joy and relief after finally fulfilling her long-held dream.
Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has clinched a historic silver medal in the women's 49kg category at the Asian Games, marking a significant milestone as India's first weightlifting medal at the event in 25 years. This achievement comes after a long journey filled with near-misses and heartbreak, culminating in a total lift of 198kg (88kg in snatch and 111kg in clean and jerk). Chanu's victory is particularly poignant as it ends a 12-year wait for this prestigious continental honor, following her Olympic silver medal in Tokyo.
"Winning an Asian Games medal is a dream come true. I have been chasing this medal for the last 12 years, since the 2014 Asian Games. My life is complete now with this medal. And I am feeling very light. It's a dream Asian Games," Chanu stated after her competition.
The gold medal was won by two-time world champion Ri Song Gum of North Korea, who delivered an impressive performance with a total lift of 215kg (94kg in snatch and 121kg in clean and jerk), setting new world records in all three categories. Indonesia's Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana secured the bronze with a total of 191kg (88kg in snatch and 103kg in clean and jerk).
Chanu's silver medal adds to her already impressive collection, which includes an Olympic silver, three World Championship medals, multiple Commonwealth Games titles, and an Asian Championships bronze. Despite her accolades, the Asian Games had previously eluded her; she finished ninth in her debut in 2014 and missed the 2018 edition due to a back injury. At the 2023 Hangzhou Games, she narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth due to a hip injury.
Dressed in gold earrings shaped like Olympic rings, a gift from her mother, and a tri-coloured ribbon in her hair, Chanu approached the platform with a renewed sense of purpose. She began her snatch series with 83kg, progressing to 85kg and 87kg, finishing the first half in third place. In the clean and jerk, she opened with a successful lift of 107kg and then lifted 111kg, securing her silver before opting not to attempt a final lift.
Chanu Reflects on Her Historic Achievement
Reflecting on her journey, Chanu expressed, "I have dreamed of winning an Asian Games medal since I stepped into weightlifting. Something or the other happened before or during the Asian Games, but this time I have fulfilled my dream."
Following her victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chanu, highlighting her determination and consistency as an inspiration to the nation. He tweeted, "A special Silver for @mirabai_chanu! Congratulations to her on winning the medal in the Women's 49 kg Weightlifting event. Her determination and consistency continue to inspire the nation. India is proud of her. Best wishes for her future endeavours: PM @narendramodi."
Athlete Spotlights
In contrast, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Gyaneshwari Yadav faced disappointment, finishing eighth in the women's 53 kg event with a total lift of 195kg, falling short of her previous performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Chanu's victory not only marks a personal triumph but also revitalizes India's presence in the weightlifting arena, setting the stage for future competitions and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
