India’s Olympic silver medallist, Mirabai Chanu, narrowly missed adding another Olympic medal to her collection as she finished fourth in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the Paris Olympics. Despite a valiant effort, Chanu managed to lift a total of 199kg (88kg in snatch + 111kg in clean and jerk), falling just short of the bronze medal.
Chanu, who turned 30 on Thursday, revealed that her performance was affected by her menstrual cycle, which added to the challenges she faced. “It was my third day of the women’s problem (periods), and that also affects you a bit,” she shared. Despite the setback, she followed the strategy set by her coach and remained positive about her efforts.
The Manipuri weightlifter, adorned in the gold earrings shaped like Olympic rings that her mother gifted her before the Rio Games, started with a modest 85kg in the snatch, smoothly lifting it. However, she faltered on her second attempt at 88kg but succeeded on her third, putting her in contention.
In the clean and jerk, Chanu struggled with her first attempt at 111kg but managed to lift it on her second try. Unfortunately, she couldn’t lift 114kg in her final attempt, which would have secured her a bronze medal.
China’s Hou Zhihui won the gold with a record-breaking 206kg, while Romanian Mihaela Cambei took silver with 205kg, and Surodchana Khambao of Thailand claimed bronze with 200kg. Despite the disappointment, India remains proud of Chanu’s achievements.
