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Mirabai Chanu, the silver medallist from the Tokyo Olympics and reigning Commonwealth Games champion, has become the first Indian weightlifter to secure a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

 

This caps a remarkable comeback following a six-month injury layoff.

 

Chanu's qualification stems from a gritty performance at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand.

 

Competing in the women's 49kg category, she finished a commendable third in Group B.

 

Despite the hiatus, she displayed her enduring strength by lifting a combined total of 184kg (81kg in snatch and 103kg in clean & jerk).

 

"This journey has demanded immense dedication and hard work," said Chanu, expressing her delight. "I'm thrilled to be back competing for my nation."

 

The Paris path, however, promises to be a strenuous one. Chanu will face a formidable line-up, including Chinese lifters Jiang Huihua and Hou Zhihui, as well as North Korea's world record holder Ri Song Gum (221kg total lift).

 

With this qualification, Chanu ascends to the No. 2 spot in the IWF ranking charts.

 

This rise is a testament to her consistent showing at prestigious events like the 2022 World Championships, 2023 Asian Championships, and the crucial 2024 World Cup.

 

From firewood to the podium

 

Chanu, an Olympic silver medallist, world champion, and three-time Commonwealth Games gold-medallist, is an Indian weightlifting icon.

 

Her Tokyo 2020 silver marked only the second Olympic medal for an Indian weightlifter, following in the footsteps of Karnam Malleswari.

 

Her feat also made her the second Indian woman, after badminton ace PV Sindhu, to secure an Olympic silver medal.

 

Chanu's story is one of sheer determination. Hailing from Nongpok Kakching village in Imphal, she displayed exceptional strength from a young age. When her brother struggled with bundles of firewood, she carried them effortlessly.

 

Initially drawn to archery, fate intervened when she stumbled upon a weightlifting hall at a local sports complex. 

 

There, her natural talent for the sport became undeniable.

 

Inspired by India's legendary weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, Chanu embarked on her path to greatness. Her international breakthrough arrived at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, where a silver medal in the 48kg category announced her arrival.

 

Three years later, at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, USA, Chanu etched her name in history. She became the first Indian weightlifter in over two decades to claim a gold medal at the Worlds.

 

This was merely the beginning. Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games followed, with Chanu setting new records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total categories.

 

Further solidifying her dominance, she established a new world record in clean and jerk with a lift of 119kgs at the 2021 Asian Weightlifting Championships.

 

Paris preparations underway

 

Recognising her potential, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through the Mission Olympic Cell, has approved Chanu's proposal to train at LA FERTE-MILON, Paris, in preparation for the Games.

 

This move will allow her to acclimatize to the Parisian weather conditions nearly a month before her Olympic event, ensuring optimal preparation for the mega event.

 

During the training camp, Chanu will be accompanied by two coaches and a physiotherapist. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding will cover expenses for airfare, visas, accommodation, food, training costs, local transportation, medical insurance, and sauna charges.

 

All eyes are now on Chanu as she strives to translate her dedication and talent into Olympic gold in Paris.