Aichi-Nagoya [Japan], September 23 (ANI): Indian weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu stated she was “very happy and proud” after ending her lengthy await an Asian Games medal by securing silver within the ladies’s 49 kg class on the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday.
Speaking to ANI after her podium end, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist stated the medal fulfilled a long-standing dream.
‘I’m very blissful. I’ve been ready for today for a few years. Finally, I’ve gained a silver medal. I’m very blissful and happy with myself. My dream has come true,’ Mirabai informed ANI.
Chanu acknowledged the strain of competing on the Asian Games after a demanding run of competitions however stated she had ready particularly with the purpose of successful a medal.
‘There was a number of strain. The Asian Games are crucial for me. It could be very troublesome for us to play back-to-back competitions. After the Commonwealth Games, I had just one month. This is what I wished to do. I wished to win not less than one medal within the Asian Games. I ready very effectively and gained this medal,’ she stated.
Asked how she would have a good time her historic achievement, Chanu stated she merely wished to benefit from the second after years of ready.
‘I do not know the place to begin. I’ve been ready for today for a few years. I’m very blissful and happy with myself. I need to have a good time today,’ she stated.
Chanu secured the silver with a mixed elevate of 198kg, efficiently finishing all three of her snatch makes an attempt at 83kg, 85kg and 87kg.
In the clear and jerk, she opened with 107 kg earlier than efficiently lifting 111 kg in her second try to complete with a complete of 198 kg.
North Korea’s Ri Song Gum gained the gold with a complete of 215kg, whereas Wijayana claimed the bronze.
The medal ended a protracted await Chanu on the Asian Games. She had narrowly missed the rostrum at Hangzhou 2023 after an damage pressured her to withdraw from her ultimate clear and jerk try, leaving her fourth.
The 32-year-old entered the Aichi-Nagoya Games after successful gold on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She can also be a three-time Commonwealth Games champion and gained Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020.
With her maiden Asian Games medal, Chanu turned the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleshwari to win medals on the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships.
Born in Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, Chanu started formal weightlifting coaching in 2008 and went on to ascertain herself as certainly one of India’s main weightlifters.
India’s medal tally stood at 11, putting the nation thirteenth within the standings, whereas China led with 77 medals on the time of writing. (ANI)