Mirabai Chanu’s Inspiring Journey: From Champion to Mentor
Mirabai Chanu, the celebrated weightlifter, shed tears of joy after winning a gold medal in Glasgow. Unlike the heart-wrenching tears she shed in Paris 2024, where she narrowly missed a medal, the tears in Glasgow were a celebration of her hard work and achievements. With an Olympic silver and three Commonwealth titles under her belt, she had reached a pivotal moment in her career, one that harked back to her first podium in 2014 as a young athlete.
Meanwhile, about 7,000 kilometers away in Modinagar, a group of 40 young girls gathered to witness her victory. The excitement erupted in the hall when Chanu successfully lifted 105kg in the clean and jerk. The cheers were not just for her but for her coach, Vijay Sharma, as well. After a fourth-place finish in Paris, many thought Chanu’s story might have ended there. However, she adapted and focused on the 48kg category, teaming up with Sharma to create the Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modinagar.
“We started this academy to empower young girls in weightlifting,” Chanu shared. “Currently, we have athletes aged 8 to 14, all girls, and we’re committed to fostering their talent.” She noted that the interest in women’s weightlifting has grown since the Tokyo Olympics, a welcomed change in a field that previously saw few girls participating.
The academy has attracted children from various parts of India, not just her home state of Manipur. “Most are from the North East, with around 20 from Assam and 20 from Manipur, along with girls from Jammu and Maharashtra,” she mentioned.
Chanu takes a hands-on approach to coaching: “I train alongside the girls and share my own experiences. It motivates me just as much as I hope it motivates them.” Her genuine joy in mentoring shows her deep connection to the sport and to these young athletes.
In Glasgow, even after her own competition ended, Chanu remained to support fellow competitors, helping them overcome language barriers and providing encouragement. “I feel a sense of responsibility to help other athletes perform at their best,” she said.
While she has accomplished so much, there’s one goal still in her sights: winning a medal at the Asian Games. After facing a tough injury earlier, she’s optimistic about her chances. Post-Asian Games, Chanu plans to move up to the 53kg category, which she believes will give her body a much-needed reprieve from the intense weight-cutting struggles of her career.
As she trains in Modinagar, surrounded by 40 aspiring weightlifters who see her as both a mentor and a role model, Mirabai Chanu has found a deeper purpose. By lifting others as she continues to pursue her own goals, she is truly embodying the spirit of a champion.
