Birmingham: Tokyo Olympic silver medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu gave India its first gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games after successfully lifting a combined weight of 201kg in the women’s 49kg category here on Saturday.
Chanu lifted 201kg (Snatch 88kg; Clean & Jerk 113kg), which is a CWG record to claim the top honours. Marie Hanitra Roilya of Mauritius won the silver medal with 172kg (76kg + 96kg) while Canada’s Hannah Kaminski bagged the bronze with 171kg (74kg+ 97kg).
The 27-year-old Chanu’s 88kg lift in the snatch round is a CWG record and equaled her personal best. The 113kg lift in the clean and jerk round is also a Games record.
The previous Games record was held by Chanu herself courtesy a 191kg lift which brought her the 48kg gold medal at Gold Coast 2018.
She began her title CWG defence with a 84kg effort. She then attempted 88kg in her second try to match her personal best. Her third attempt, a crack at 90kg, however, was unsuccessful.
In the clean and jerk, the Manipuri lifter recorded 109 kg in her first attempt and shattered both the Games and Commonwealth record to secure the gold. A lift of 113kg in her second attempt saw her extend the winning margin.
This was the third successive medal for Chanu at the CWG. She has won silver at Glasgow 2014 and won gold at Gold Coast 2018.
Congratulating Manipur’s Chanu, President Droupadi Murmu said she has scripted history by winning weightlifting gold medal, setting anew record in Commonwealth Games. Her first gold medal for India in the ongoing Games has created a wave of joy and celebration across the country. Well done, Mirabai. India is proud of you and your medals, the President added.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has congratulated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu on winning Gold Medal at Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: “The exceptional @mirabai_chanu makes India proud once again! Every Indian is delighted that she’s won a Gold and set a new Commonwealth record at the Birmingham Games. Her success inspires several Indians, especially budding athletes.”
“Overjoyed and super proud of Manipur’s superstar daughter, Mirabai Chanu, on winning India’s first gold at CWG 2022 in 49 kg weightlifting category,” said Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Heartiest congratulations and thanks for bringing laurels for India. You have kept your promise, he added. With agency inputs
