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Weightlifting

Who is Mirabai Chanu? 10 things to know about the Indian weightlifter

Here are the 10 things to know about the Indian weightlifter who won Silver Medal at Tokyo Olympics

Who is Mirabai Chanu? 10 things to know about the Indian weightlifter
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Author

Nirmit Mehta

Updated: 24 July 2021 7:35 AM GMT

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, the girl from the East Imphal district of Manipur scripted history as she won the silver medal in the Women's 49kg Weightlifting event at the Tokyo Olympics. The 26-year old had qualified for the Women's -49kg event. Mirabai Chanu became the first and the only Indian weightlifter to qualify for Tokyo Olympics. She was placed second on the Absolute Ranking list issued by the International Weightlifting Federation, due to which she was granted qualification for the Olympic Games.

Here are the 10 things you should know about Mirabai Chanu, who is the only weightlifter from India to have qualified for Tokyo Olympics.

Where does Mirabai Chanu hail from?

Mirabai Chanu hails from Nongpok Kakching, Imphal, Manipur.

How old is Mirabai Chanu?

Mirabai Chanu was born on August 8, 1994, and is 26 years old.

Is Mirabai Chanu part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme?

Yes, Mirabai Chanu is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, which agreed to fund Rs.70 lakh for her training at St. Louis for 50 days.

How did Mirabai Chanu qualify for Tokyo Olympics?


Mirabai Chanu is placed second on Absolute Ranking list issued by the International Weightlifting Federation, which granted her an automatic qualification. Initially, she was placed fourth on the list, however due to the withdrawal of North Korea from the Olympic Games, she was propelled to the second spot.

Has Mirabai Chanu competed at Olympics before?

Yes, Mirabai Chanu has competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016. However, she did not complete the event, as she failed to record any successful lifts in the clean and jerk section.

Which weight category will Mirabai Chanu compete in?

Mirabai Chanu will compete in the Women's -49kg category at Tokyo Olympics.

What was Mirabai Chanu's most recent performance?

Mirabai Chanu shattered the world record, by lifting 119 kg in the clean and jerk section at the Asian Championships last year, where she bagged a Bronze Medal.

Has Mirabai Chanu been bestowed a Khel Ratna Award?

Yes, Mirabai Chanu has been awarded the Khel Ratna Award in 2018.

Has Mirabai Chanu won a World Championship Gold Medal?

Yes, Mirabai Chanu has won a Gold Medal at the World Championships held in Anaheim in the -48kg event.

Why is Mirabai Chanu one of India's strongest contenders for a medal?

Mirabai Chanu has won a Gold Medal at Commonwealth Games 2018, and a Silver Medal at Commonwealth Games 2014. She also won Medals at Asian Championships and World Championships, and is ranked second in the world rankings in her category. She is one of India's brightest prospects for a medal, and for that reason she was included in the TOPS scheme.

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