Mirabai Chanu, another medal hope for India, is all set to compete in the 49 kg weightlifting category at the Paris Olympics 2024. After winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, fans have high expectations from the Manipuri weightlifter.
After her Olympic success, Mirabai Chanu faced two major injuries. In 2022, during a training session, she suffered a combination of injuries, including a rotator cuff injury in her shoulder, a wrist injury, and back pain. Later, the series of injuries worsened when Chanu developed hip tendonitis, which kept her away from the sport for five months.
Speaking exclusively to InsideSport earlier, Chanu discussed the injuries and setbacks she faced and her plan for the Olympics.
Saving 100% for the Competition
Chanu said about her training, “I’m injury-free for sure now. As far as lifting weights is concerned, we have not yet started doing that at 100% capacity. As far as my event is concerned, we still have a fair distance to go. Our training is up to the mark, and we aim to peak on the day of the competition. The goal is simple: to do even better than I did at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Our sights are set on gold.”
Looking for the 205-207 kg Mark
“Last time, I got a silver medal with a total of 202 kg. But this time around, the competition will be stiffer, with participants from Thailand (Surodchana Khambao), Romania (Mihaela Cambei), and the USA (Jourdan Delacruz), who are doing exceptionally well. So maybe the 205-207 kg range is what we are aiming for, to assure a medal, and who knows, maybe a gold medal as well,” Chanu said.