"Her journey inspires millions": Ashish Sood meets Mirabai Chanu
Delhi Minister Ashish Sood congratulated weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu on her incredible silver medal win at the Asian Games 2026.
Delhi Minister Ashish Sood met with veteran Indian weightlifting icon Mirabai Chanu on Wednesday to celebrate her triumphant silver medal victory at the Asian Games 2026. The meeting served as a moment of recognition for the Olympic medallist, who secured her place on the continental podium in the women's 49kg category.
A historic performance in Aichi-Nagoya
Chanu’s performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games was nothing short of spectacular. She achieved a combined lift of 198kg, marking her first-ever medal at this prestigious continental multi-sport event. This victory was particularly significant as it filled a gap in her illustrious trophy cabinet following a fourth-place finish in Hangzhou in 2023, where an injury had hampered her final attempt.
The 32-year-old weightlifter displayed immense technical skill throughout the competition:
- Snatch attempts: She successfully completed all three attempts, lifting 83kg, 85kg, and 87kg.
- Clean and jerk: She registered 107kg and 111kg in her first two attempts.
- Total weight: A final combined lift of 198kg secured the silver.
While North Korea's Ri Song Gum claimed the gold with a 215kg total, and Wijayana took the bronze, Chanu's silver stands as a testament to her resilience.
Joining the elite ranks of Indian weightlifting
With this achievement, Mirabai Chanu has entered an extremely exclusive club. She is now only the second Indian weightlifter, following in the footsteps of Karnam Malleshwari, to have won medals across every major international platform, including:
- The Olympic Games
- The Asian Games
- The Commonwealth Games
- The World Championships
- The Asian Championships
- The Commonwealth Championships
Minister Ashish Sood lauds her dedication
Sharing a video of the meeting on X, Minister Ashish Sood praised the athlete's unwavering spirit. He noted that her journey, defined by discipline and perseverance, serves as a massive inspiration to the entire nation. He extended his best wishes for her future milestones and continued glory on the world stage.
Chanu's rise from a modest background in Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, to the pinnacle of global weightlifting remains one of India's most compelling sporting stories. The daughter of Saikhom Kriti Meitei and Saikhom Tombi has transitioned from a small-town girl to a national symbol of strength and determination.