Mirabai Chanu wins silver to open Indian account at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Mirabai Chanu gave India its first medal at Tokyo 2020 at the weightlifting in the women's 49kg category. The 26-year-old lifted 87kg in snatch and 115kg in the Clean and Jerk event to score a total of 202 during the 49kg category. Chanu was seen as one of India's strongest medal contenders at the Olympics this year and was in fine form in the build-up to the Games. She had created the Clean and Jerk world record in April earlier this year in her category, lifting 119kg.

Within minutes of her winning the medal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her with a tweet.

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

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was born on 8 August 1994 in Nongpok Kakching, Imphal, Manipur. Chanu has won the World Championships and multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for her contributions to the sport. She was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awards by the Government of India for the year 2018. In 2021, Mirabai Chanu became the 1st Indian weightlifter who qualified for the 2021 Summer Games as she secured 2nd position in the 49kg category. She is the only Indian woman participating in the weightlifting competition in Tokyo Olympics