Mirabai Chanu has become the first Indian weightlifter to secure qualification for the 2024 Olympics

Mirabai Chanu has emerged as the sole Indian weightlifter to clinch a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a significant achievement for the country. Despite grappling with a temporary setback due to injury and subsequent rehabilitation, Chanu showcased her resilience by securing the third position in the women’s 49kg Group B category during the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup event.

Making a triumphant return from a six-month injury layoff, Mirabai Chanu, renowned as India’s weightlifting luminary, etched her name in history by becoming the solitary Indian weightlifter to earn qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her qualification was sealed at the IWF World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand, recognized as the final and compulsory qualification event for the forthcoming Games.

Displaying her indomitable spirit, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist displayed outstanding prowess by securing the third position in Group B of the women’s 49kg category. Chanu exhibited remarkable strength with a combined lift consisting of 81kg in snatch and 103kg in clean and jerk.

Chanu’s accomplishment fulfills the prerequisite of participating in two mandatory events and three other qualifiers for the Paris Olympics. Currently ranked second in the Olympic Qualification Rankings for the women’s 49kg category.

While the official confirmation from the IWF is pending until the conclusion of the qualifying rounds. Chanu has already etched her name as the first and only Indian weightlifter to secure a spot for the Paris Olympics.

Expressing her elation, Chanu remarked, “The goal was to secure my spot for the Paris Olympics, and now that I am almost through, all my attention is on making a mark at Paris 2024.”

Chanu’s qualification is a moment of immense pride for the Indian contingent, underscoring her remarkable journey back from injury and her unwavering commitment to the sport. This will mark Chanu’s third appearance at the Olympics, having previously secured silver in the Tokyo Olympics, along with gold in the Commonwealth Games and bronze in the Asian Games.

Mirabai Chanu’s qualification is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and outstanding contribution to Indian weightlifting on the global stage.

Repurposed article originally published in She the people