Mirabai Chanu ended India’s 21-year wait for a medal in the Olympic Games weightlifting event and opened the country’s account at the Tokyo Olympics by winning a silver medal in the 49kg event. Chanu won the silver medal in clean and jerk by lifting a total of 202 kg from 115 kg and 87 kg in snatch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated him on this achievement.
In his congratulatory message, the Prime Minister said, “The Tokyo Olympics could not have started better than this. India is excited by Mirabai Chanu’s stellar performance. Congratulations to him for winning the silver medal in weightlifting. His success inspires every Indian.
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
Earlier, Karnam Malleswari had won the country a bronze medal in weightlifting at the Sydney Olympics 2000. Hou Zhioui of China won the gold medal with a total of 210 kg (94 kg in snatch, 116 kg in clean and jerk). Indonesia’s Aisah Windi Kantika won the bronze medal by lifting a total of 194 kg.
The snatch was believed to be Chanu’s weakness, but she lifted 84 kg in her first snatch attempt. Manipur This lifter took the time to lift the weight. He lifted 87kg in the next attempt and then increased it to 89kg, a kilogram more than his personal best of 88kg which he had set at the national championship last year.
However, she couldn’t better her personal best in the snatch, lifting 87kg in the snatch, only behind Jihui, who set a new Olympic record at 94kg. China’s weightlifter also holds the world record (96 kg) in this. Chanu holds the world record in clean and jerk, lifting 110kg and 115kg in the first two attempts.
Though she failed to lift 117kg in her last attempt, it was enough to win her a medal and open India’s account.
She cried after winning the medal and hugged her coach in joy. Later they celebrated the historic podium spot with a dance.
