Saikhom Mirabai Chanu

A twenty-seven-year-old girl from Manipur scripted history by winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Mirabai Chanu lifted a total of 202 kilograms. 

 

From a very a young age, she began participating in international events, earning international medals and gaining recognition. Her big break came in 2014, when she won two gold medals in the 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In 2017, she went on to win the world championship. She was awarded the Padma Shri and Khel Ratna by the Indian government in 2018.

Born into a Meitei family, young Chanu started demonstrating her physical strength by carrying bundles of firewood home at the age of 12. She invited the truck drivers who once let her hitchhike rides to get to her training academy. To express their gratitude after winning the Olympic medal, she touched their feet as a symbol of respect.

 

Following the Tokyo Olympic Games, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh declared a reward of Rupees one crore for her. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Indian Railway Minister, also announced a 2 crore prize, and a suitable promotion in her employment from her current post of railway ticket inspector.

A twenty-seven-year-old girl from Manipur scripted history by winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Mirabai Chanu lifted a total of 202 kilograms. 

From a very a young age, she began participating in international events, earning international medals and gaining recognition. Her big break came in 2014, when she won two gold medals in the 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In 2017, she went on to win the world championship. She was awarded the Padma Shri and Khel Ratna by the Indian government in 2018.

Born into a Meitei family, young Chanu started demonstrating her physical strength by carrying bundles of firewood home at the age of 12. She invited the truck drivers who once let her hitchhike rides to get to her training academy. To express their gratitude after winning the Olympic medal, she touched their feet as a symbol of respect.

Following the Tokyo Olympic Games, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh declared a reward of Rupees one crore for her. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Indian Railway Minister, also announced a 2 crore prize, and a suitable promotion in her employment from her current post of railway ticket inspector.