This is the first time that Chanu has won a silver medal in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting event. Chanu had come to India on May 1 with Dr. Aaron Horchig, a renowned physician, strength and conditioning coach from the United States. Due to a travel ban in the United States for people arriving from India within a few days due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients, the Indian government had arranged for Chanu to travel by plane at short notice.
Excited about the win, Chanu said, “It is like a dream come true for me. I’ve been training for this moment for many years and I’m glad it all happened for me at the biggest sporting event, the Olympics.” Chanu thanked the government for its cooperation. She especially expressed her gratitude to the Government for the cooperation received for two visits, last year and the recent one to the United States. She said, “Last year’s visit to the US to overcome the problems related to my shoulder has played an important role in winning this medal.” Chanu said that the way the government has supported me from time to time for many years, That’s why it has become possible today. Without his support, this achievement would not have been possible. I am grateful to him for this. He also said that I would especially like to say that ‘
Congratulating Chanu, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said, “The victory of Mirabai Chanu is the victory of 130 crore Indians, who were proud to hoist the Indian flag and play the national anthem at the medal ceremony in Tokyo. This is the first time in Olympic history that an Indian has won a medal on the very first day. Their success also shows how the TOPS program has played a vital role in the development of our sportspersons and boosting India’s medal hopes. The Modi government will continue to work to train sports talent and provide them every facility to excel at the highest level. His performance has filled the entire country with aspirations. She will inspire a generation of even more players from the Northeast.”
Union Minister of Law and Justice Shri Kiren Rijiju said that when we spoke before leaving for Tokyo, she had promised that she would bring medals for the country and she lived up to her words, she kept her promise. The Minister further said, “Like every Indian, I am very excited and proud of this prestigious achievement. The pride and honor she has brought to India is the result of years of perseverance, dedication and immense hard work and she deserves every compliment that has been showered on her.”
Union Minister Shri Kishan Reddy said, “It fills my heart with pride to see that our daughters are making Maa Bharati proud. Wearing a silver medal around her neck, Mirabai standing on that pedestal has won the heart of every Indian. His journey towards success is an inspiration not only to the sports community but to every youth who has some dreams and goals. I would like to take this opportunity to register my enthusiasm for sports and fitness activities in the northeastern states and I am glad that this active sports culture is making India proud.
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal congratulated Mirabai on her achievement and said that you have inspired our entire nation and we all are proud of you.
Pramanik also praised the winning lifter and said, “This medal is the result of years of hard work and preparation. It is a matter of pride for 135 crore Indians because they saw you lifting that weight and winning medals on that big stage. This is a golden chapter in your wonderful journey and I am sure you will not stop here. It is mine and the entire nation’s blessings to you to win more medals in the years to come.”