Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver Medal at Asian Games
Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu has secured a silver medal in the women's 49kg event at the Asian Games, marking India's first weightlifting medal at the Games since 1998. This achievement fulfills a long-held dream for Chanu, who has faced numerous challenges in her pursuit of this accolade.
Mirabai Chanu, the celebrated Indian weightlifter, has finally achieved a long-awaited milestone by winning a silver medal in the women's 49kg category at the Asian Games held in Nagoya. This victory not only marks a significant moment in her career but also represents India's first weightlifting medal at the Asian Games since Karnam Malleswari's bronze in 1998. Chanu's total lift of 198kg (88kg in snatch and 110kg in clean and jerk) was enough to secure her place on the podium, completing her impressive collection of international accolades.
"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 expressed after her remarkable performance.
The competition saw Chanu competing against formidable opponents, including two-time world champion Ri Song Gum from North Korea, who clinched the gold medal with a stunning total of 215kg (94kg in snatch and 121kg in clean and jerk). Ri's performance was historic as she set new world records in all three categories: snatch, clean and jerk, and total. Indonesia's Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana took home the bronze with a total of 191kg (88kg in snatch and 103kg in clean and jerk).
Chanu's journey to this medal has not been without its challenges. After finishing ninth in her debut at the 2014 Asian Games and missing the 2018 edition due to a back injury, this silver medal represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. At the Hangzhou Games in 2023, she narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth due to a hip injury sustained during the competition.
Chanu's Performance Highlights at the Games
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 opened her snatch series with a successful lift of 83kg, followed by 85kg and 87kg, placing her in a strong position as the competition progressed. In the clean and jerk, her opening lift of 107kg was executed flawlessly, and she then successfully lifted 111kg, securing her silver medal without needing to attempt her final lift.
"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," she reflected on her long-awaited success.
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Following her victory, Chanu expressed a desire to take a brief pause after months of rigorous training, which included a quick return to the gym after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just a month prior. Looking ahead, she mentioned that the qualification process for the LA 2028 Olympics begins in December, and she plans to savor her recent achievement before making further decisions regarding her training and competition schedule.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chanu on her historic achievement, highlighting her determination and consistency as an inspiration to the nation. "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.", he tweeted, celebrating her success and the pride she brings to her country.
