Mirabai Chanu's inspiring comeback from injury in pursuit of Paris Olympics glory
Mirabai Chanu, the esteemed Indian women weightlifter, has made a resounding comeback to the competitive weightlifting scene. Her remarkable performance at the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) World Cup 2024 not only marked her return to the sport but also secured her qualification for the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 29-year-old Manipuri weightlifter sensation finished third in Group B of the women's 49kg (and 11th overall) at the IWF World Cup to book her berth at the Paris Games.
Mirabai's path to Paris was paved with dedication and perseverance as she adhered to the rigorous qualification criteria set by the IWF. Her participation in at least five major events, including the World Championships and the 2024 World Cup, ensured her eligibility for the Olympic stage. Currently ranked second in the Olympic Qualification Rankings (OQR), Mirabai's return to form signals her readiness for the upcoming challenge.
Mirabai Chanu is one of the finest Indian weightlifters with an Olympic silver medal, a world champion and a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medal under her belt. Mirabai’s silver at Tokyo 2020 was only the second Olympic medal by an Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari.
Mirabai's return to the competitive arena signifies the end of a resilient six-month period. Her previous outing was at the Asian Games in September 2023, where she faced a challenging scenario after sustaining a hip injury.
During her last clean and jerk attempt, Mirabai aimed to lift 117kg to surpass
