Asian games top priority for Mirabai Chanu

Raipur | Correspondent: On the occasion of the inauguration of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu spoke about the biggest unfulfilled dream of her career. The 31-year-old Indian weightlifter stated that winning a medal at the Asian Games remains her top priority.

A leading figure in Indian weightlifting for the past decade, Mirabai has secured numerous medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games; however, a medal at the Asian Games has so far eluded her.

She made her debut at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, where she finished in 9th place. She was unable to participate in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games due to a back injury, while a hip injury left her dream unfulfilled at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Mirabai said, “The Asian Games are extremely special to me. The level of competition there is very high, and that is precisely what makes it so challenging. It is my dream to win a medal there.”

Due to changes in regulations, Mirabai is currently having to balance her weight between the 48 kg and 49 kg categories. She will compete in the 48 kg category at the upcoming Commonwealth Games (July 23 to August 2, Glasgow), while she will compete in the 49 kg category at the Asian Games to be held in Nagoya (Japan) from September 19 to October 4.

She explained, “I will compete in the 48 kg category until the Commonwealth Games, but for the Asian Games, I will have to move back to the 49 kg category, which presents a significant challenge.”

Recently, at the National Weightlifting Championships, Mirabai delivered a stellar performance, setting three new national records in the 48 kg category. She lifted 89 kg in the snatch and 116 kg in the clean and jerk, winning the gold medal with a total weight of 205 kg-marking the best performance of her career. On this occasion, while lauding the Khelo India Tribal Games, Mirabai stated that this event would prove to be a significant platform for young athletes hailing from the country's remote and tribal regions. She remarked that while the North-East and tribal areas possess an abundance of talent, they often lack adequate platforms. Such events will play a pivotal role in nurturing these talents.

Mirabai also commended the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), the Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, and the SAI Training Centres. According to her, the high-quality training, nutrition, and facilities available at these centers are propelling Indian sports to new heights.