Mirabai Chanu — Here’s all you need to know about India’s first medallist at Tokyo Olympics

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Ace Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu clinched a silver medal in the 49 kg category to open the country’s account in the Tokyo Olympics. This is India’s first weightlifting medal at the Olympic Games after a wait of around 21 years. China’s Hou Zhihui bagged gold with an effort of 210 kg (94 kg+116 kg), while Aisah Windy Cantika of Indonesia took home the bronze with an effort of 194 kg (84 kg+110 kg).

Chanu lifted a total of 202kg (87 kg+115 kg) to better Karnam Malleswari’s bronze in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She celebrated her historic victory as she danced her way out.

In her first snatch attempt, Chanu lifted 84kg. In her next attempt, she lifted 87 kg and raised the weight to 89kg.

However, she was unable to better her personal best and settled for 87 kg in the snatch event only behind leader Zhihui, who created a new Olympic record with an effort of 94 kg.

In the clean jerk, Chanu, the world record holder in the section, lifted 110 kg and 115 kg in the first two attempts.

Chanu’s journey

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu hails from the state that has produced champion athletes like MC Mary Kom, Dingko Singh, N Kunjarani Devi, etc. Born on 8 August 1994 in Manipur, Chanu’s strength was identified by the family when she was just a kid. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee got her first major breakthrough in the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, where she won a silver medal in the 48 kg category.

Chanu has won the World Championships and multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games. She has also been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for her contributions to the sport.

The Manipuri weightlifter’s victory has marked a great start to India’s campaign in Tokyo Olympics.

Wishes pour in for Chanu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chanu on bringing home the silver medal from the event.

Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by @mirabai_chanu’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian. #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/B6uJtDlaJo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2021

What a day! What a win for India. Mirabai Chanu wins silver in Weightlifting Women’s 49kg category, India open tally in Tokyo Olympics. You have made the country proud today.

Bravo 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/g4mCI9CmqE

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 24, 2021

India strikes first medal at Olympic #Tokyo2020 Mirabai Chanu wins silver Medal in 49 kg Women’s Weightlifting and made India proud🇮🇳 Congratulations @mirabai_chanu ! #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/NCDqjgdSGe

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 24, 2021