Mirabai Chanu Completes Medal Collection with Asian Games Silver

Mirabai Chanu has finally filled the last gap in her medal collection by winning a silver medal in the women’s 49kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. This achievement adds the missing continental medal to her already illustrious career, which includes honors from the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Championships.

Chanu, 32, lifted a total of 198kg to secure her first Asian Games medal. North Korea’s Ri Song Gum claimed the gold with a lift of 215kg, while Indonesia’s Wijayana took home the bronze. Chanu showcased her exceptional skills, successfully lifting 83kg, 85kg, and 87kg in the snatch category. She began her clean and jerk attempts at 107kg and later lifted 111kg, culminating in her total of 198kg.

This silver medal marks a significant moment for Chanu, who had previously faced disappointment at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou 2023, where an injury forced her to withdraw from her final clean-and-jerk attempt, leaving her in fourth place. With this latest success, she becomes only the second Indian weightlifter, after Karnam Malleshwari, to have won medals across all major international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Asian Championships.

Born on August 8, 1994, in Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, Chanu grew up in a modest family as the youngest of six siblings. Her father, Saikhom Kriti Meitei, worked for the Public Works Department, while her mother, Saikhom Tombi, ran a small shop. Chanu's early strength was evident as she helped with household chores, which included carrying water uphill in her village. Initially aspiring to be an archer, her natural talent for weightlifting was recognized at the Khuman Lampak Sports Academy.

Chanu's Weightlifting Journey and Achievements

Chanu's journey in weightlifting began in 2008, and she faced numerous challenges, including transportation issues to training sessions in Imphal. Despite these hurdles, she made her international breakthrough in 2017 by winning gold at the World Championships. She subsequently secured gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, 2022, and 2026, along with silver medals at the World Championships in 2022 and 2025, and gold at the Asian Championships in 2021.

Her Olympic silver medal at Tokyo 2020 elevated her status as one of India’s top athletes. After finishing fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she returned to the World Championships podium in 2025. Throughout her career, Chanu has been guided by her coach Vijay Sharma, who has played a pivotal role in her development as an athlete. She has trained at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala since 2012.

Athlete Spotlights

In addition to her athletic achievements, Chanu serves as an Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) in the Manipur Police and is pursuing a sports psychology program through Amity University Online. Together with her coach, she has established the Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, aiming to inspire young girls to take up weightlifting, with around 40 girls currently training there.

Chanu has often expressed admiration for fellow Manipuri weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, who has been a significant influence on her career. From her humble beginnings in Manipur to standing on the podium at the Olympic and Asian Games, Chanu's journey is a testament to her dedication and resilience, paving the way for the next generation of weightlifters in India.