Indian star weightlifter and Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu created history at the Asian Games by winning a silver medal in the women’s 49kg category. Chanu put up an impressive performance on Wednesday to secure the silver and end India’s long wait for a medal in weightlifting at the continental event.
Mirabai Chanu Lifts 198kg to Win Silver
Chanu lifted 88kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk, registering a combined total of 198kg. Her performance earned her the second position and secured a silver medal for India.
The achievement also brought an end to India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the Asian Games.
Ends India’s 28-Year Medal Drought
India’s last Asian Games weightlifting medal came in 1998, when legendary weightlifter Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal.
Since then, India had failed to win another medal in weightlifting at the Asian Games. Nearly 28 years later, Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal has ended that long wait and added another significant achievement to her illustrious career.
Another Major Achievement for Chanu
With this silver medal, Mirabai Chanu has added another major honour to her impressive list of achievements.
Her medal tally includes an Olympic silver medal, three World Championship medals, including one gold, multiple Commonwealth Games titles, an Asian Championships bronze medal, and now an Asian Games silver medal.
Ri Song Gum Wins Gold
In the women’s 49kg category, North Korean weightlifter Ri Song Gum, a two-time world champion, won the gold medal.
She lifted 94kg in the snatch and 121kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a combined total of 215kg.
With this victory, Ri Song Gum won the Asian Games title for the third consecutive time.
Sports Fraternity Congratulates Mirabai Chanu
Mirabai Chanu’s historic silver medal has sparked celebrations among sports personalities and fans across the country.
Sports stars, supporters and fans have congratulated Chanu for bringing home a medal at the Asian Games and ending India’s long wait for a weightlifting medal at the continental event.
