Mirabai Chanu on Saturday pulled off a sensational performance to win a silver medal on the first day of the Tokyo Olympics, ending India’s 21-year medal drought in weightlifting. Mirabai, who hails from the Indian state of Manipur, won the silver medal in the 49kg category. As expected, her stunning performance has sent Indians in a state of jubilation.
The 26-year-old lifted a total of 202 kgs, 87 kgs followed by 115 kgs, but failed to lift 117 kgs to beat China’s Hou Zhihui, who had lifted 116 kgs in her final effort.
The last time Indian won a medal in weightlifting was in 2000 when Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal at Sydney Olympics. Curiously, Mirabai had failed to register a single legitimate lift at the Rio Olympics, five years ago.
Reacting to her win, an elated Mirabai said in a statement, “Its really a dream come true for me. I would like to dedicate this medal to my country and would like to thank the billion prayers of all Indians which were with me during this journey.”
I am really happy on winning silver medal in #Tokyo2020 for my country ???????? pic.twitter.com/gPtdhpA28z
— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) July 24, 2021
She added, “I would like to give special thanks to my coach Vijay Sharma sir and support staff for their continuous hardwork, motivation and training. Thank you once again entire weightlifting fraternity and all my countrymen. JAI HIND,
Politicians took to Twitter to congratulate India’s newest sporting hero. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Congratulations to #MirabaiChanu for our country’s first medal on the very first day. India is proud of her daughter.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted an old photo of himself with Mirabai as he wrote, “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.”
India is currently placed fifth in the list of medal winners.