Saikhom Mirabai Chanu wins SILVER in women’s 49kg weightlifting
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was born on 8th August 1994 in Nongpok Kakching, Imphal, Manipur, to a Meitei family.
She is an Indian weightlifter, Coached by Vijay Sharma. She won the silver medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020 in Women’s 49 kg, thereby bringing India its first medal in the event. By winning the silver medal on the first day of #TokyoOlympics2020 Mirabai Chanu has made India and Indians extremely proud and joyful.
Soon after winning the silver medal on the first day of #TokyoOlympics2020, Chanu has dedicated her victory to her country and its people, She mentioned the sacrifices made by her mother and the support of her family, She thanked her coach and supporting staff for their hard work, motivation and training. She has extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Government, Ministry of Sports, SAI, IOA, Weightlifting Federation of India, Railways, OGQ, sponsors, her community, and marketing agency IOS for their support and encouragement in her journey.
A regular presence in international events since 2014 in the 48 kg category, Chanu has won the World Championships and multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow; her biggest achievement came in 2017 when She won the gold medal at World Weightlifting Championships held in Anaheim, United States; She went on to break the games record on route to the gold medal at the 2018 edition of the event held in Gold Coast. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for her contributions to the sport. She was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award by the Government of India in 2018.
Belonging to a humble family in Manipur, Mirabai practiced rigorously to make her dream true. For someone who suffered hardships and economic challenges at home, Mirabai’s wish included bringing joy and resources to the family, especially her mother. Her family and entire neighbourhood watched her live on TV winning the game.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, and Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi and several other leaders have congratulated Mirabai for bringing joy to so many Indians.
The region of North East has produced some brilliant players, especially women who have brought laurels to the Country.
Mary Kom is one of them, the first Indian female boxer to win a gold medal in the Asian Games in 2014 at Incheon, South Korea, and is the first Indian female boxer to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She is also the only boxer to become Asian Amateur Boxing Champion for a record six times. She clinched a bronze medal in the 51 kg category in 2012. She had to face many obstacles during her journey, including hunger and gender bias. But all that never deterred her willpower. She broke the stereotype that married women especially mothers cannot become successful athletes, through her grit and determination.
Mary Kom was one of the recipients of the Padma Shri in 2006 while in 2013, She was honored with the Padma Bhushan. Meanwhile, earlier in 2020, the Indian government conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, on the Manipuri ace.
India wishes Saikhom Mirabai Chanu all the best.
