Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu on winning the silver medal in the women’s 49kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, saying her determination and consistency continue to inspire the nation.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office said, “A special Silver for @mirabai_chanu! Congratulations to her on winning the medal in the Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting event. Her determination and consistency continue to inspire the nation. India is proud of her. Best wishes for her future endeavours.”
Chanu secured her maiden Asian Games medal with a total lift of 198kg. She successfully completed all three of her snatch attempts, lifting 83kg, 85kg and 87kg, before registering 107kg and 111kg in the first two clean and jerk attempts. Her best clean and jerk of 111kg took her total to 198kg.
North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won the gold with a total of 215kg, while Indonesia’s Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana claimed the bronze with 191kg.
The silver marks another milestone in Chanu’s decorated career. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist and three-time Commonwealth Games champion has now completed her medal collection across the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships.
Chanu had narrowly missed the podium at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, finishing fourth after an injury forced her to withdraw from her final clean and jerk attempt.
The 32-year-old entered the Aichi-Nagoya Games after winning gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Born in Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, Chanu began formal weightlifting training in 2008. She rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s leading weightlifters and has inspired a new generation of athletes.
Her silver also ended India’s 28-year wait for an Asian Games weightlifting medal, with Karnam Malleswari having previously won a medal at the continental event.
With Chanu’s silver, India’s medal tally rose to 11 — one gold, five silver and five bronze — placing the country eighth in the standings as of Wednesday afternoon. China led the table with 61 medals.
(ANI Inputs)
