Started weightlifting at the age of 12, from Commonwealth Games to Olympics, flag waved everywhere

Mirabai Chanu is a shining name in the Indian sports world. She won the country's first medal in weightlifting at the Olympics. Mirabai Chanu was born on August 8, 1994, in Imphal, Manipur. Her full name is Saikhom Mirabai Chanu. But, in the sports world, she is famous only as 'Mirabai Chanu'. Mirabai Chanu, who came from a very humble background and made a name for herself at the international level, achieving success, is an inspiration to millions of players in the country.

Mirabai Chanu started practicing weightlifting at the age of 12. She got great support from the family. Chanu got her first major success in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, when she won silver. After this success, she has never looked back. She won gold in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. She also won gold in the World Championship in 2017.

Chanu got her biggest success in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, when she won the silver medal in the 49 kg category. She became the first athlete of the country to win a medal in weightlifting. With this success, she not only increased the pride of the country, but also gained great popularity all over the world. Mirabai Chanu did not get success in the Paris Olympics. Mirabai Chanu was honored with the Khel Ratna Award in 2018 by the Government of India for her success. In 2018 itself, she was also awarded the Padma Shri.

Mirabai Chanu is the Chairperson of the Athletes Commission of the Indian Weightlifting Federation. In taking up this position, Chanu has pledged to amplify the voices of athletes, ensure their welfare and help them stay focused on their performance.