Japan, Sept 23: Mirabai Chanu has created history by winning the silver medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the Asian Games currently underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
This marks Chanu’s maiden Asian Games medal, thereby ending India’s 28-year-long medal drought in the sport. It is the first medal India has secured in weightlifting since Karnam Malleswari won one at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.
Fierce Competition:
Despite stiff competition from the world’s top lifters, 32-year-old Mirabai Chanu secured second place by lifting a total of 198 kg. She successfully lifted 87 kg in the snatch category and 111 kg in the clean and jerk category.
North Korea’s Ri Song-gum clinched the gold medal with a total lift of 215 kg—setting a new Asian Games record—while Indonesia’s Luluk Diana settled for the bronze medal.
A Medal That Previously Eluded Her:
Luck had not been on Mirabai Chanu’s side in previous Asian Games. She finished 9th in 2014 and was forced to sit out the 2018 edition due to an injury. Although she came close to a medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, she was left in tears, having to settle for fourth place due to an injury. However, displaying the unyielding determination of a true warrior this time, Chanu clinched the silver medal, putting past disappointments behind her to celebrate the moment.
A ‘Grand Slam’ Achievement
With this maiden Asian Games medal, Mirabai Chanu has achieved the rare feat of winning medals at all major global weightlifting platforms. Her medal tally is as follows:
Olympics: Silver Medal (Tokyo 2020)
World Championships: 1 Gold (2017), 2 Silver
Commonwealth Games: 3 Gold, 1 Silver
Asian Games: Silver Medal (2026)
In summary, Mirabai Chanu’s historic Asian Games silver medal represents more than just a sporting victory; it is a testament to her unparalleled determination, hard work, and indomitable fighting spirit. Her performance—overcoming injuries and past setbacks—has earned a place in the annals of Indian sports history in letters of gold. Chanu, who has earned the title of a ‘great achiever’ by winning medals on all major global weightlifting stages, stands as an eternal beacon of inspiration for the country’s next generation of athletes. On behalf of the entire nation, respectful congratulations are extended to this shining star of Indian sports.