The Indian Army on Monday honoured Olympic weightlifting champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu at her residence in Manipur, recognizing her outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The ceremony was held as a mark of respect and admiration for Chanu’s dedication, hard work and her contribution to the nation’s pride on the global stage, according to a release.
Senior officials from the Indian Army visited Chanu’s residence to present her with a special memento, acknowledging her remarkable achievement and the inspiration she has provided to millions across the country.
The event was a moment of pride not only for Chanu and her family but also for the entire state of Manipur, which has long been known for producing some of the nation’s finest athletes.
In a statement, the Indian Army praised Mirabai Chanu for her steadfast support and encouragement of sports and athletes who represent India on the global stage.
“This recognition of Mirabai Chanu is part of the Army’s broader commitment to celebrating and fostering sporting talent across the nation,” the statement read.
Chanu narrowly missed out on a medal on Wednesday, securing a fourth-place finish in the women’s weightlifting 49kg event at the Paris Olympics. China’s Hou Zhihui defended her gold medal by making a remarkable comeback towards the end, snatching the gold with a combined effort of 206kg.
Chanu won a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics.